Should I really use condoms for oral sex?

Using condoms or a dental dam when you have oral sex is important to preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, and herpes can be transmitted orally—that is, from mouth to genitals and vice versa—especially if either of you have an open sore or bleeding gums. Using condoms or dental dams makes oral sex safer—and safer can even be more fun!