Helicobacter pylori: a sexually transmitted bacterium?

Cent European J Urol. 2014;67(4):407-9. doi: 10.5173/ceju.2014.04.art18. Epub 2014 Dec 5.

Abstract

Introduction: Oral sex (fellatio) is a very common sexual activity. H. pylori is mainly a gastric organism, but studies have reported that infected individuals may permanently or transiently carry H. pylori in their mouth and saliva.

Material and methods: A Pubmed search was conducted using the words infection, oral sex and urethritis.

Results: The existing studies support the hypothesis that H. pylori could be a causative agent of non-gonococcal urethritis.

Conclusions: It is possible that H. pylori may be transmitted via the act of fellatio in the urethra. Further research is required to explore the role of H. pylori in sexually transmitted urethritis.

Keywords: H. pylori; oral sex; urethritis.

Publication types

  • Review