Common steps and sub-activities
Cunnilingus
Cunnilingus is an oral sex act performed by a person on a female's genitalia (the clitoris, other parts of the vulva or the vagina). It is not an Irish Airline [sorry, an old joke]. Whether there is a danger of pathogen transmission depends on:
- Whether the vagina of the woman is ‘healthy’ or not
- What action preceded this action.
For example if anal sex preceded the action, followed by vaginal sex, then the secretions from the vagina will include the pathogens from the anus [wiping the penis with a tissue or 'wet wipe' is of no earthly use whatsoever].
If the person is infected with pathogens already, any form of exchange of body secretions – the secretions from the vagina thus being the most obvious ones that cunnilingus brings the partner into contact with. Then there is a risk of catching those pathogens.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the worldwide leading vaginal disorder in women of reproductive age …. Gardnerella vaginalis is a predominant bacterial species, however, BV is also associated with other numerous anaerobes, such as Atopobium vaginae, Mobiluncus mulieris, Prevotella bivia, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Peptoniphilus sp.. PMID: 26080369
Prevotella spp. can cause infections of the respiratory tract, aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess, pulmonary empyema, and chronic otitis media and sinusitis. They are associated with urinary tract infection, brain abscesses, osteomyelitis, and periodontal disease and periodontal abscesses.