Oral sex is using one’s mouth to stimulate a partner’s genitals.
Just as with any kind of sex, everybody is different – with various likes and dislikes, so communication is the key. In order to make sex more satisfying, it’s important to be clear with yourself and your partner about what kinds of sex you want to do and don’t want to do.
Learning how to give oral sex is usually done by letting each other know what feels good and what doesn’t – so both partners can learn what’s pleasurable.
Although there is no chance for pregnancy to happen from oral sex, unprotected oral sex puts both partners at risk for a number of sexually transmitted infections, whether they are giving or receiving genital stimulation. Although the risks of infection are generally quite a bit lower with unprotected oral sex than they are with unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, using a barrier during oral sex can further decrease those risks.
For safer oral sex, use a condom to cover the penis, or a Sheer Glyde dam, cut-open a condom, or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus.
Acknowledgement: This fact sheet was adapted from PlannedParenthood.org, a website that provides education about reproductive and sexual health.
