Anilingus has potential health risks arising from the oral contact with
human feces. Diseases which may be transmitted by contact with feces include: bacterial diseases including
shigellosis (bacillary dysentery); viral systemic diseases including
hepatitis A,
hepatitis B,
hepatitis C,
poliomyelitis,
human papillomavirus (HPV) and
herpes simplex virus; parasites including
intestinal parasites; and infections and inflammations
chlamydia infection,
gastroenteritis,
conjunctivitis,
gonorrhea,
lymphogranuloma venereum[11] and other
sexually transmitted infections.
[12]
Applying the mouth to the genitals immediately after applying it to the anus can introduce the
bacterium Escherichia coli ("
E. coli") into the
urethra, leading to a
urinary tract infection.
HIV/
AIDS is not believed to be easily transmitted through anilingus.
[13]
Anilingus with a number of casual partners increases the health risks associated with the practice. Generally, people carrying infections that may be passed on during anilingus appear healthy.
Parasites may be in the feces if undercooked meat was consumed. The feces contain traces of
Hepatitis A only if the infected person has eaten contaminated food.
Another recent study suggests a
correlation between
oral sex and
throat cancer. It is believed that this is due to the transmission of HPV because this virus has been implicated in most
cervical cancers. The study concludes that people who had one to five oral-sex partners in their lifetime had approximately a doubled risk of throat cancer compared with those who never engaged in this activity. Those with more than five oral-sex partners had a 250% increased risk compared with those who never engaged in this activity.
[14]