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Am I at risk for sexually transmitted infections because I just got my tongue pierced?

After you get your tongue pierced you may be at a higher risk of HIV, Hep C, or bacterial infections. Piercings in the mouth and some dental work may need time to heal.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop having oral sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  Using safer sex supplies like condoms and sex dams are a way to reduce the risk of infection.

Just remember that once your tongue piercing has healed, there are still STIs that can transmit from one person to another through oral sex, vaginal sex and anal sex.  Routine testing for you and your partner(s) is another great way to reduce the risk.