It's not possible to get pregnant from oral sex alone. Sperm must get into the vagina and make its way to the uterus. If you have vaginal sex before or after oral sex, you could become pregnant.

There’s a different risk with oral sex: sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (also called a sexually transmitted infections or STIs). STDs can spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex; using fingers; or with other types of sexual contact.

Most of the time STDs don’t cause symptoms, so someone can have an STD without knowing and pass it on. That’s why you need to use protection like a condom, finger condom, or dental dam each time you have sex. A second type of reliable birth control, like birth control pills or an implant, can further protect against pregnancy.

The only way to fully prevent STDs and pregnancy is to not have sex.

If you have questions about sex, pregnancy, STDs, or birth control, talk with your doctor. You can get advice on the right type of protection for you and your partner and learn how to use it. You can also visit a health clinic like Planned Parenthood.