STIs from oral sex and age of consent?

While your risks for STI transmission may be lesser if both of you have not ever been sexually active⁠ (sexually active: Someone who has had or is currently having some kind of genital sex with a partner or partners.) in any way, it does not totally negate the risk. Not being “sexually involved” can mean lots of things for different people. Some people might only consider “sexually involved” to mean having vaginal intercourse⁠ (vaginal intercourse: When a penis or sex toy is inserted into and held by the vagina while partners move their bodies as feels good to them for the purpose of either sexual stimulation and/or reproduction.) with someone, and thus anything but that would make them not sexually involved. (Of course, in the clinical sense, the person is still sexually active if they are involved in any kind of sex⁠ (sex: Different things people choose to do to actively express or enact sexuality and sexual feelings; often this involves genitals, but not always. ) .) Also, be aware that there are STIs that are transmitted via non-sexual means. Oral herpes, for example, is often picked up in childhood via sharing drinks, kisses from relatives, or other totally non-sexual means. The American Social Health Associationexternal link, opens in a new tab notes that, “About 50 percent to 80 percent of the adult population in the United States has oral herpes (commonly called cold sores or fever blisters), with as many as 90% having the virus by age 50.” And oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals⁠ (genitals: Body parts that are generally, culturally, scientifically or personally considered to be external sexual or reproductive organs.) . So no, not having been sexually active before does not guarantee that you and your partner⁠ (partner: In a sexual context, a person with whom someone is having some kind of sex. The term “partner” can be used for all kinds of relationships, not just serious ones. “Partner” can also mean the person someone is with in a romantic or familial partnership.) will be safe from all STIs. (While condom⁠ (condom: A thin sheath or tube of latex or another material, worn over the penis during sex to prevent or reduce the risk of pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections.) use will also not completely eliminate the change of passing⁠ (passing: Being perceived as a member of a non-marginalized group when you’re a member of a marginalized group.) on herpes, it does go a long way toward preventing.) Your best bet for being safe is for both of you to get regular STI testing (at least once a year) and to use condoms for all genital contact. You can find more information in the following links:

• STI Risk Assessment: The Cliff’s Notes
• Mouthing Off on Oral Sex
• Condom Basics: A User’s Manual
• Testing, Testing…

Regarding your second question, age of consent⁠ (age of consent: The age at which a person is considered in law to be able to consent to sexual activity. Someone above this age who has sex with someone below it can often be charged with statutory rape, even if the younger person wants to consent.) laws vary by country and state, so you will want to check out⁠ (out: Short for ‘out of the closet’. When someone’s LGBTQ+ identity is known to other people.) the regulations for your specific area. Generally speaking however, any sexual⁠ (sexual: About or relating in some way to sex or sexuality.) activity under the age of consent in a given area is not legal for you to participate in. This will include vaginal intercourse, oral sex⁠ (oral sex: Use of the mouth, lips or tongue for sexual stimulation. Cunnilingus (“going down on”), fellatio (“blowjobs”) and analingus (“rimming”) are some common kinds of oral sex.) , manual sex⁠ (manual sex: Sometimes also called digital sex. Kinds of sex involving the hands and fingers to sexually stimulate the genitals or other parts of the body. Fingering, handjobs or “fisting” (deep manual sex) are some kinds of manual sex.) , anal sex⁠ (anal sex: Sexual activity involving the anus. Anal sex may include stimulation with fingers, the mouth, a penis, sex toys, or other objects or body parts.) , etc. Activities like holding hands or hugging that are generally not considered sexual in nature are usually ok. (Again though, consult the laws in your specific area if you have questions.)