Experts in obstetrics and gynecology have warned that oral sex during menstruation is unsafe and can lead to a range of infections. They cite risks such as upper respiratory tract infections, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and mouth and throat infections. Although some online platforms claim the practice is safe, the specialists emphasize that not all internet information is factual or accurate.
Dr. Joseph Okoeguale, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, explained that STIs and disturbances in normal vaginal flora may occur when oral sex is performed during a woman’s period. “Men usually perform oral sex when a woman is not menstruating, which can be pleasurable for both partners,” he said. “During menstruation, however, debris is shed from the endometrium, so the fluid is not just blood but also tissue and microbial material from the uterine cavity and vagina.” Consuming this mixture can expose the partner to harmful bacteria, viruses, and blood, increasing the risk of infection. “The vaginal flora can proliferate into bacteria that cause infection, and you can never be sure whether the woman has other genital tract infections,” Okoeguale added. He warned that the compromised hygiene of the genital area during menstruation raises the likelihood of microbial contamination, potentially affecting the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal system. Additionally, exposure to menstrual blood can increase the risk of hepatitis B and C, as well as upper respiratory tract infections. “Swallowing a mixture of microorganisms—bacterial and viral—is not something anyone should do because of the immediate and long‑term complications,” he concluded.
Dr. Joseph Akinde, another consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, echoed these concerns, stating that both oral and vaginal sex during menstruation carry infection risks. “Why would a man perform oral sex on a woman who is menstruating? It is unhealthy,” he said. “Menstrual blood in the mouth is unsafe; this is not a scenario for a vampire.” He cautioned that unverified online claims of safety are misleading. “The vagina contains bacterial flora, so inserting the mouth is absurd. If the man has an oral infection, he could also transmit it to the woman,” Dr. Akinde noted.
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