Yes - the CDC lists chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV as spreadable through oral sex, and many of these infections cause no symptoms, which is why they keep moving.
Throat gonorrhea and chlamydia are typically silent and still transmissible; HIV via oral is the low end of the risk scale but not zero. Protection: condoms or dental dams for every act, skipping oral sex when sores or symptoms are present, and not brushing or flossing right before. The missed piece: standard panels do not swab the throat - ask for throat and rectal testing if oral sex is part of your life.
What to do
Common questions
Can you get an STI from oral sex?
Yes, plainly. The CDC lists the infections that spread through oral sex: chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes (both HSV-1 and HSV-2), HPV, and HIV - and it notes many infections passed this way cause no symptoms, which is exactly why they keep moving: a throat gonorrhea or chlamydia infection is typically silent and still transmissible. HIV through oral sex is the low end of the risk scale - possible but far less efficient than anal or vaginal sex - while the bacterial STIs and herpes transmit through oral readily. What lowers risk, per the CDC: condoms, dental dams, or other barriers for every act; skipping oral sex when either partner has sores, discharge, or symptoms; and not brushing or flossing right before (small mouth abrasions raise the odds). The piece most people miss is testing: a standard urine or swab panel does not check the throat - you have to ask for throat and rectal swabs if oral sex is part of your life. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you figure out which tests to ask for.