PROBLEMS WITH ORAL AND ANAL SEX

Question

I have some concerns about both oral and anal sex. I’ve heard it’s possible for a woman to be allergic to the ejaculate of her partner.

Are there any other possible negative (or otherwise) side effects to the ejaculate having contact with a partner’s body?

Are there any possible dangers/negative side effects to my girlfriend swallowing my ejaculate? She always does, but apart from loving the act, I personally worry that there might be a chance of it harming her!

Also, what are the possible side effects of anal sex, even if a condom is used?

My partner and I would very much like to try this but I want to ensure that she is safe from any possible problems/complications.

Answer

Yes, it is true that very occasionally a woman is allergic to her partner's Symptoms are soreness, redness and swelling of the sex organs. But I know of no other ill effects from contact with seminal fluid.

Your next question is about fellatio. This is harmless, unless either party is carrying a sex infection. But it is now (2012) thought that oral sex can pass on human papilloma virus (HPV).

In the rare instance of a woman being allergic to her man's sperm, fellatio would probably cause swelling, soreness and redness in the throat.

Next, you ask about anal sex. We don't really recommend this - but there's no doubt that these days a lot of couples happily practise it – and that it has become much more popular in the last few years.

Risks include:

1. passing on of infection (if one of you has one).
2. damage to the woman's anus (especially if you're rough).
3. spread of germs from anus to vagina (if you have vaginal sex immediately afterwards).
4. possible urinary infection in the man (very uncommon).
5. possible transfer of HPV (see above), which may be a cause of rectal cancers.

Best wishes.

Yours sincerely

Dr David Delvin, GP