Oral sex is the pleasurable stimulation of the genitals by mouth, tongue and lips. Both people with vaginas and people with penises can receive and give oral sex which usually involves the licking and/or sucking of the penis (fellatio) or vulva, clitoris and vagina (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus).
Oral sex is one of the most common sex acts that people enjoy and it is often part of couples’ foreplay or even as the main event, instead of penetrative sex. Couples of all sexual orientations engage in oral sex, often to the point of climax. Couples can stimulate each other’s genitals simultaneously in the 69 position where they both act as receivers and givers of pleasure.
People enjoy oral sex due to the direct stimulation of the erogenous zones, the warm and wet sensation of the mouth and the intimacy of having their partner’s face close to their most intimate areas. Most people with penises enjoy a sucking motion that stimulates their entire penis head, frenulum and shaft, but their partners can also use their hands during oral sex to stimulate the testicles, perineum or anus too. People with vaginas often enjoy the repetitive licking and sucking of the clitoris and the labia, but they can also be stimulated in the meantime by fingering of the vagina or the anus to add more sensations and pleasure.
Performing oral sex to a partner’s ultimate satisfaction can take some practice, experimentation and ongoing communication. Asking questions like “Is this good?” and “Do you want me to continue?” can help find the perfect spot or the ideal rhythm and will lead to a more fulfilling experience for both parties. Not everyone enjoys the same things during oral sex so even if something worked wonders for a previous sexual partner, new techniques may need to be tried and learnt to satisfy a new partner.
There’s no risk of pregnancy during oral sex, but unfortunately STIs can be transmitted easily. Due to this, it’s important to use protection when engaging in oral sex with a new partner. People with penises should wear a condom to reduce the risk of STI transmissions to their partners while it’s recommended to use a dam during cunnilingus.
While condoms can reduce sensations for people with penises, it is nowadays possible to buy ultra thin as well as flavoured condoms so the oral sex experience can still be pleasurable for both parties. Dams are small, thin plastic sheets that are placed between the mouth and the vulva or anus to prevent the spread of STIs between receiver and giver.
Just like any other sex act, oral sex requires communication and ongoing enthusiastic consent to make the best of it, but it can be one of the most pleasurable and intimate experiences couples can share.
