Dr. Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon – president of the AIDS Society of the Philippines and current Chief of Clinics of Sta. Ana Hospital – answers all your HIV-related inquiries. For all your questions, email josescon1@gmail.com or info@outragemag.com.
Good day Doc,
I’m not a sexually active guy but if there’s an opportunity to do it, I make sure to take make my self clean by taking shower and do all my cleaning rituals. I love giving heads and asking my mate to come in my mouth. I don’t know if this has been asked, but is it safe to gargle mouthwash after having sex?
Your response will be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Cumlicker78
Mouthwash has hygiene purposes; and there are many types of mouthwashes, like the alcohol-based products that cause stinging when used, or the much milder types of mouthwashes. As stated, it has benefits for good hygiene purposes.
However, I have not encountered any journals/scientific studies that evaluate the effect of mouthwash re HIV risk/s; or specifically point out mouthwash as a sole preventive or curative measure for bacteria or viruses.* For that matter, it just alleviates whatever – say, soreness in the mouth – one has.
For more information, it is best to consult and to talk face-to-face to your doctor.
*P.S.
You can get STIs through oral sex.
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
Oral Sex and HIV Risk
How risky is oral sex?
Mouthing Off
Oral sex and the risks of HIV and STIs
Oral Sex: What’s the Real Risk for HIV?
Mouth problems
Oral sex
Fondly called Jojo, Jose Narciso Melchor Sescon is a medical doctor with specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. Spending much of his time in public health services with focus on HIV and AIDS, STI, and sexual and reproductive health, Jojo wears multiple hats, blending public health advocacy and clinical-cum-administrative work. For 12 years, he served as the Executive Director of Remedios AIDS Foundation, the pioneering AIDS service organization in the Philippines. Then in 2008, he assumed the presidency of the AIDS Society of the Philippines, which he still heads now. Jojo is also the current Chief of Clinics of Sta. Ana Hospital, and has held regional and local consultancy works for development agencies. Jojo is a self-confessed lacto-vegetarian, a raja yoga meditation practitioner, and a health/wellness buff. He also loves to share his thoughts and reflections based on learned skills/competencies and experiences. This soft-spoken soul loves taking on new initiatives/roles, and loves to talk with people about spirituality and good health.
