Am I less likely to get an STD from oral sex than from vaginal or anal sex?
Yes, but only slightly. While some STDs -- such as herpes, gonorrhea, and HIV -- have the potential to be spread through oral sex, it's true that the risk of transmission is greater in anal and vaginal sex, explains Michael Policar, M.D., associate clinical professor of OB-GYN and reproductive sciences at the University of California at San Francisco. This may be because it's harder for the viruses and bacteria to survive in saliva. But oral sex is not risk-free: Unless you and your partner have been tested and were found free of all STDs, use a condom or dental dam when giving and receiving oral pleasure.