Many believe that antiseptic mouthwash after oral sex eliminates sexually transmitted bacteria. However, current research lacks sufficient evidence to support this. Mouthwash only cleans common oral bacteria, while pathogens can penetrate deeper into the body. Moreover, some people use mouthwash hours after sex, which may reduce its effectiveness in disease prevention.

The safest approach involves engaging in oral sex only with a trusted, faithful, and healthy partner. Avoid having multiple partners. Strictly avoid oral sex if a partner shows signs of infection like skin lesions, sores, or ulcers on their genitals or in their mouth.

Use condoms or dental dams for protection. Maintain good oral and genital hygiene before and after sex. After sex, avoid brushing your teeth, as this can create abrasions in the mouth, increasing disease risk; instead, rinse with antiseptic mouthwash.

If you notice unusual symptoms in your throat or genitals, consult a doctor immediately for early diagnosis and treatment.

Symptoms warranting a doctor's visit after oral sex include: persistent sore throat without clear cause, mouth ulcers lasting over two weeks, blisters or warts on the lips, tongue, or throat, and urethral discharge or painful urination appearing a few days to a few weeks later.

Illustration created by AI.

Oral sex involves stimulating a partner's genitals with the mouth, lips, or tongue. While it might seem safer than penetrative sex, many sexually transmitted infections can spread through oral sex, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, genital warts, herpes, hepatitis A, B, C, and HIV.

Genital warts, also known as condyloma acuminata, are growths on the skin's epidermis and mucous membranes caused by HPV infection. These warts present in various forms. Some cases develop into edematous lesions resembling a "cockscomb", featuring pointed, serrated edges, or finger-like, thin, and soft structures.

Gonorrhea, caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a sexually transmitted infection. It commonly leads to urethritis in men and vaginitis in women. Symptoms include painful or burning urination, purulent discharge, itching, and swelling around the genital area.

This advice comes from Doctor Pham Quang Khai, from the Department of Urology and Andrology at E Hospital.