As conversations about sex become more open among young Nigerians, many still believe oral and anal sex are safer alternatives to vaginal intercourse. But health experts say this assumption is misleading and potentially dangerous.
Odunola Olabintan, a public health expert and Team Lead at The Health City, told PT Health Watch that these practices can carry serious health risks, especially when done without protection or proper hygiene.
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Ms Olabintan explained that unprotected oral or anal sex, and even common behaviours like using saliva as lubricant or ‘fingering’ without washing hands, can expose people to infections.
“The assumptions are wrong because one can still get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, even HIV, through oral-genital or oral-anal contact,” she said.
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While HIV and hepatitis B and C are more often linked to vaginal and anal sex, she said they can also be transmitted through oral sex, particularly when the mouth has cuts, sores or bleeding gums.
Anal sex, she added, carries an even higher risk of HIV transmission because of the fragile nature of anal tissue.
“Also, anal sex is one of the risk factors for haemorrhoids, which are commonly called piles. It predisposes people to that,” she added.
Why saliva isn’t safe
One common myth, especially among young people, is that saliva is a harmless and readily available lubricant. But experts strongly discourage this practice.
Ms Olabintan explained that saliva contains bacteria and viruses that can disrupt the vagina’s natural flora.
“This can lead to bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections. Plus, saliva dries up quickly and offers very poor lubrication, which can cause friction-related injuries,” she said.
Instead, she recommends water-based or silicone-based lubricants, especially when using condoms.
“When having sex, the vagina may not be able to provide enough lubrication, as it were to make the movement smooth and while oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to tear, water-based ones reduce friction, preserve it from tearing and make the movement smoother.
“So, the lubricant is more for pleasure, and also a bit of protection when one is using it with condoms and when it’s done right,” she said.
Why clean hands matter
Ms Olabintan also explained that fingering is often viewed as a low-risk sexual act, but even that comes with caveats.
“There’s no reason why any woman should allow anyone to finger them with unclean hands. Unwashed hands can introduce bacteria into the vagina, leading to infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or even urinary tract infections,” she said.
She also noted that it is important to get nails trimmed, as sharp or dirty nails can cause tears or introduce germs.
Ms Olabintan added that fingering as an act is done because some women experience pleasure from it especially when talking about oral and anal sex.
“It’s only a matter of preference and pleasure. Some women would not find fingering pleasurable at all. Some women would find it pleasurable, but I guess it’s only a matter of people finding what they are comfortable with, and also that it is done right,” she said.
Playing it safe
When asked about how people can engage in safer oral and anal sex, the expert recommends protective barriers like condoms and dental dams.
“These reduce your risk of infections during oral-vaginal, oral-anal, and oral-penile contact. Also, avoid these acts if you have any mouth or genital sores, the risk of transmission is significantly higher,” she said.
For anal sex, she explained that using condoms is non-negotiable, and lubrication is essential to avoid injury, adding that the private area should be cleaned beforehand, using water-based lube, and always using protection.
Debunking misconceptions
One major issue Ms Olabintan highlighted is how cultural and religious beliefs influence sexual behaviour, especially among young people.
She noted that some women opt for oral or anal sex because they want to keep their virginity. “They see it as a way to avoid pregnancy while staying ‘pure,’ not realising they are still at risk of serious infections.”
She warns that this mindset can make people skip protection entirely, leaving them more vulnerable to STIs.
From a public health perspective, the expert says all sexual activity including vaginal, oral or anal carries some form of risk and should be approached with proper education and care.
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“No matter the type of sex you’re having, you should use protection, get tested regularly for HIV, hepatitis B and C, and communicate openly with your partner,” she advised.
She added that there is a need to break the silence around sexual health and encourage people to ask questions without shame.
In addition to condoms and clean practices, she urges people not to overlook signs of infection.
