Question 1

Can I get an STI through oral sex?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gonorrhoea, herpes, syphilis, and HPV can all be transmitted through oral sex. The risk is generally lower than for penetrative sex, but it is not zero. Gonorrhoea of the throat (pharyngeal gonorrhoea) is often asymptomatic and requires a dedicated throat swab — it is frequently missed when only genital swabs are taken.

Question 2

Are all STIs curable?

Accepted Answer

Bacterial STIs — chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomonas — are curable with antibiotics. Viral STIs — HIV, herpes, HPV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C — are not curable but are highly manageable. HIV is controlled with antiretroviral therapy; herpes is managed with antiviral medication to suppress outbreaks; hepatitis C can now be cured with direct-acting antiviral treatment in most cases.

HPV

Common questions about HPV