The simple answer is ‘no’ according to Dr Brian Hughes, Infectious Diseases Physician and hepatitis specialist at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle.

Although safe sex may decrease the risk of transmission of some STIs, there are other significant ways in which STIs can be transmitted. Herpes and HPV (the virus associated with genital warts) can be transmitted even if condoms are used. Hepatitis A, gut and bowel infections, and the virus that is thought to be associated with Kaposi’s Sarcoma can be passed on through rimming.