Oral Sex: Oral sex is known by many names’:blowjob, going down, giving head, rimming. It is generally considered foreplay. It is important to note that Oral sex can lead to the transmission of STIs and infections like any other penetrative sex. It is crucial to use protection and maintain hygiene to have safe oral sex. Mutual consent is another important aspect. You should communicate your needs and preferences with your partner regarding oral sex to make your sexual relationship healthy and strong.
Table of Contents
What is oral sex?
It refers to the stimulation of the genitals with the mouth, tongue, or lips. Some do not consider it as sex, but it is not true. It comes under the definition of sex. It can give the same pleasure as in a vaginal –penis intercourse.
Oral sex has its roots back in ancient history (Greek art). But a lot of people see it as taboo, and there are many myths around it. In India, it is seen as against culture, and people feel hesitant in performing it. They consider it a pornographic act. Some are ignorant about it due to a lack of education.
There is a myth that due to oral sex one loses virginity, but it is not true as in the case of physical virginity ( that involves penetration). However, it takes away emotional virginity. Another myth is that it is completely safe. But the fact is that it involves the exchange of bodily fluids, so it is important to use protection as it can lead to the spread of infection. Oral sex can be helpful in building connections and can increase sexual pleasure.
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What are the types?
There are three types of oral sex
- Fellatio or blowjob: It refers to the stimulation of penis by mouth. It involve licking or sucking the penis
- Cunnilingus: It refers to the stimulation of vagina or vulva with tongue, lips or mouth. It involves licking in or around the vulva.
- Anilingus or rimming: Stimulating anus with mouth or tongue also comes under oral sex.
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How to do it?
You can try different sex positions for oral sex
Such as
- 69: In this position, one person lies on their back and another over them, allowing stimulation of each other’s genitals at the same time.
- Open wide: You can lie on your back with legs open and your partner facing towards you with their head on the side of the receiver’s knees. (1)
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Consent
It is important to have consent from your partner to have oral sex. It is a personal choice if they want to do it or not. It should not be done if you are feeling pressured to have oral sex.
Open and honest communication is the key. Even during oral sex, take consent to know if they are okay with it or not, as consent is an ongoing process.
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Benefits of oral sex
Oral sex can be helpful in building an emotional connection, and it also has a lot of physical and mental benefits.
- Building intimacy: It leads to a strong relationship as it helps partners become more comfortable with each other.
- Relieves pain: It helps in reducing stress and pain due to the release of happy hormones called oxytocin and endorphins.
- Increased pleasure: Oral increases the chances of orgasm and pleasure. It helps in making sexual activity last longer.
- Improves overall health: Oral helps in reducing BP. It also improves sexual satisfaction, which leads to an improvement in overall quality of life
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Is it safe?
Some prefer oral sex as an alternative to penetrative intercourse as they think it is safe. But this is not true. Oral can also lead to transmission of STIs and infections. (3)
The STIs that can be transmitted through oral are:
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Herpes
- Human papillomavirus
Other infections are:
- Yeast infection
- Urinary tract infection
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What to do for safe oral sex?
Oral sex can increase the risk of transmission of STIs or STDs, so it is important to keep in mind the following points to have safe sex.
- Hygiene before and after oral: Make sure that before sex, your genital area is clean. You can take a shower and wipe yourself with a clean towel. After sex, too, clean your genitals as it can lead to the spread of infection.
- Dental dams: Dental dams should be used to prevent the transmission of infection due to contact between the mouth and genitals. You can make a dental dam by cutting the condom, also.
- Non lubricated condoms: Non lubricated condoms should be used to cover the penis while having oral.
- Test for STIs: You should have a screening of STIs for both of you before having oral sex to be safe from any transmission of infection. (2)
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A Note from Kamarth
It is important to know about different types of sex to make decisions about what feels good to you and what does not. Oral is being stigmatized. However, it is one type of sex that can be helpful in making your sexual experience better. It can help both of you to be comfortable with each other. It is necessary to use your protection and have a screening of STIs to improve your sexual health and overall well-being.
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Some Additional Doubts
Question: Is oral sex a type of sex?
Answer: Yes, it is a type of sex which involves stimulation of a partner’s genitals by mouth.
Question: What are the types of oral sex?
Answer: Anilingus, Cunnilingus, and Fellatio are the three types of oral.
Question: Can you get pregnant with oral sex?
Answer: No, it is not possible as it does not involve sperm entering vagina.
Question: Can STDs spread from oral sex?
Answer: Yes, as STDs spread from the absorption of bodily fluids through body tissues, including the mouth. Herpes is the most common STD spread through oral.
Question: How to have safe oral sex?
Answer: Dental dams and condoms should be used to prevent the spread of STIs or STDs. Moreover, get regular checkups and screening for STIs.
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