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Hollywood hottie Jessica Alba was rumoured to have Herpes which she allegedly contracted from Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. She was said to regularly take Valtrex,  a prescription drug to treat Herpes rash

Dr Rishma Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist with Lilavati and Jaslok Hospital reveals,  she treats girls as young as 19 for Herpes, after they've been infected thanks to unprotected oral sex. Exposure to the media and easy access to porn on the Internet, has made urban youth experiment far earlier than generations before them. Oral sex is a popular option with youngsters, as opposed to vaginal intercourse, since it cuts out chances of pregnancy.

Rampant among affluent youth

The Delhi Public School MMS scandal highlighted two Class XI students (17 year-olds) who had oral sex on school premises, with the boy shooting the act on his cellphone before sending it off as an MMS to others. Peer pressure, the desire to fit on, and climb popularity charts often act as incentives.

"It's more common among young, affluent, urban Indians," says Dr Duru Shah, Medical Director, Gynaec World. Seen as harmless, oral sex leaves you vulnerable to fungal and viral infections, some of them incurable and symptom-free. Individuals who experiment with multiple partners, are at a greater risk.

Men dislike condoms

The absence of the pregnancy scare, and male lovers  who believe a condom reduces sexual pleasure, prevents them from using protection.

Oral sex without condom can leave you with:
HIV
Unprotected oral sex can transmit HIV, although the chances of contracting the virus are fewer than if you have intercourse without using a condom. Infected semen or vaginal fluid can get into the partner's mouth. Infected blood from the other's bleeding gums or an open sore, could come in contact with the penis.

Herpes
Like HIV, Herpes is caused by a virus and results in the outbreak of painful blisters or open sores in the genital area. At first, you'll spot tiny red bumps that develop into blisters. Over several days, the sores become crusty before finally healing.

Hepatitis B
The Hepatitis B virus infects the liver and is present in the blood and body fluids of infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, dark urine and jaundice. Oral sex may transmit the virus, especially if semen is swallowed.

HPV
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is commonly known as warts. In most cases, the body's immune system fights the virus, and the infection disappears without treatment. But in some women, the infection persists and can cause cervical cancer.

You run an increased risk of being exposed to Sexually Transmitted Infections if:
Your partner suffers from gum disease, has cuts or sores in his/her mouth.
Your partner has had recent dental treatment that has bruised a tissue in the mouth.
Your partner has vigorously brushed or flossed, leading to a cut.

3 sure shot ways to protect yourself
1.Latex condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STD transmission. An erect penis can leak seminal fluid prior to ejaculation. This contains organisms that can cause infection in women. Condoms must be worn prior to any oral, vaginal, or anal contact.

2.Condoms can tear, allowing seminal fluids to leak. Use a water-based lubricant to decrease friction during intercourse. Oil-based lubricants such as baby oil or Vaseline, can weaken a condom, and should never be used.
3.Make sure your mouth is free of cuts or sores, and you don't suffer from bleeding gums.

Dr Rishma Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist, Lilavati and Jaslok Hospital
I don't believe most people who indulge in oral sex, bother using a condom. The man is usually discouraging. Unprotected oral sex can leave both, men and women vulnerable to dangerous infections.