What is oral sex
Oral sex is a sexual activity that involves using the mouth, lips, and tongue to stimulate the partner's penis (tongue), vagina (cunnilingus), or anus (anal).
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In the context of sex, oral sex is not only a potential source of pleasure, but plays an important role in knowing oneself and the body of others.
Definitions and some important places
Before delving into the more interesting aspects of the topic, a few considerations are essential, even if they seem obvious, to approach oral sex in the best possible way.
First, we must remember that sexual health and sexuality affect each other. For this reason, sexual health cannot be defined, understood, or operationalized without a broad consideration of gender, which in turn underlies important behaviors and consequences for sexual health.
Sexual health is about well-being, not just the absence of disease or dysfunction, and is important throughout an individual's life, not just for people of childbearing age.
In this regard, it is important to remember the definition given by the World Health Organization, which states that sexual health is: “A state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sex, which requires a positive and respectful attitude. Approach to sex and sexual relations, as well as the possibility of Enjoy pleasant and safe experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.”
Sexual health is expressed through various sexual activities and sexual expressions that must be interpreted according to specific contexts, expectations, dynamics, and other subjective and relational factors. However, sexual health and sexuality mean respect, safety and freedom.
Oral sex: when and how often do you do it?
More than 85% of sexually active people between the ages of 18 and 44 practice oral sex. Many people have oral sex before or instead of intercourse: although it is often included in foreplay with the intent to arouse and maintain arousal, this type of intercourse is not necessarily in preparation for penetration or other activities aimed at achieving orgasm.
Types of Oral Sex
licking
Cunnilingus consists of oral stimulation of the vulva, clitoris, and/or vagina.
the tongue
Tongue is the stimulation of the penis and/or testicles with the lips and tongue.
licking or rimming
Anal stimulation is the oral stimulation of the anus. _
What oral sex is not
Oral sex can be practiced alone or in the context of other sexual activities, including vaginal and anal intercourse, petting (understood as a combination of passionate kissing, manual stimulation, and rubbing of the genitals) and mutual masturbation.
For this reason, it is difficult to define traditional boundaries.
For example, stimulation with the tongue, mouth, and lips of other parts of the body, such as the breasts and nipples, is generally not considered oral sex, although it can occur during this type of intercourse.
Why it is practiced (according to science)
Many people practice and receive oral sex as a pleasant preliminary or complementary activity of their sexual life:
the answer may seem obvious, but we dedicate ourselves to this type of intimate relationship because it makes you feel good and you want to make your partner feel good.
Scientific research has tried to explain this sense of well-being and it seems that the biological reasons involved are mostly of evolutionary matrix:
According to a study published in 2000 in the Journal of Reproductive Immunology, swallowing sperm during fellatio would be a practice that would unknowingly accustom the body to the partner's DNA, so the immune system does not trigger adverse reactions during pregnancy.
Considering that a number of gestational disorders result from recognizing the father's genes as foreign, introducing them early into the body could help reduce the likelihood of such occurrences.
The authors of the article believe that this is a possible evolutionary explanation for the practice of fellatio.
According to a study published in 2013 in Evolutionary Psychology, when men saw that other men were interested in their partner (therefore, they were "potential rivals" in the evolutionary process) they had a greater interest in ensuring that their female partners could achieve.
orgasm through cunnilingus.
The hypothesis of the authors is that this act could work to increase the relational satisfaction of the woman, prevent a betrayal and, consequently, ensure the transmission of one's genes. These conclusions have raised a heated debate among industry experts, especially due to the fact that fellatio is not mentioned at all in this research.
Oral sex: why does it feel good?
Here are some of the potential benefits of oral sex reported in the scientific literature:
It can lead to very intense orgasms: According to a 2016 research reported in The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, almost 70% of women describe oral sex as "very pleasant", for direct stimulation of the clitoris
. A third of women said they need this type of contact to reach climax, according to research published in the 2017 Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy.
It enhances some relationships and urges others: Some people experience oral sex as a "relationship strengthening" and a "very intimate connection" shared with a partner, as it means looking at him and seeing him enter a very personal space.
Research also suggests that people often engage in oral sex, even if they don't enjoy it. The aforementioned 2016 Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality study, for example, also found that men were significantly more likely than women (52% versus 28%) to report that oral sex was "very enjoyable."
It may be good for your health:
Some studies have even suggested that exposure to sperm offers particular health benefits, such as a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia or depression.
However, these evidences are still under discussion.
Everybody likes it?
Does everyone like oral sex?
Oral sex can be fun and can be very pleasurable, but it is important to feel fully comfortable so that the experience is a positive one for everyone involved. It seems obvious, but it is not: to fully experience sexuality, it is important to be willing to know your body and allow yourself an openness, without prejudice, in the exchange of new experiences, always trying to indulge individual preferences and those of the partner. . It should always be remembered, in fact, that human sexuality is varied and each person is different. Some people like to practice and receive several of these practices; others enjoy only certain types of oral sex; still others do not like it at all as an intimate relationship.
In this regard, it is important to remember that conscious communication without embarrassment is a fundamental aspect during any sexual approach, as well as being the pillar of our interpersonal relationships.
How to start (or continue) Enjoying the Experience
Oral sex is a very intimate experience, so it's important to make sure you're ready and willing to explore or be explored in this way.
Oral sex is a great way to get comfortable with your body and learn more about each other's arousal. Among other things, you could take advantage of this activity to map your erogenous zones and those of your partner.
There is more than one way to enjoy fellatio and / or cunnilingus: Just like with more conventional sexual intercourse, experimenting with new positions and variations of oral sex can increase your chances of reaching orgasm.
Is Oral Sex Safe?
The main risk related to oral sex practiced without protection is represented by the possibility of contracting and / or transmitting urinary, genital or rectal and pharyngeal infections.
It should be noted right now that infections transmitted by oral sex mainly affect people who have unprotected, occasional and frequent intercourse with multiple partners, while the use of condoms drastically reduces the possibility of contracting or transmitting pathogens carried by fluids and body fluids (such as precoital and vaginal secretions, semen, blood from small lesions and saliva).
The exact risks of unprotected oral sex are difficult to estimate; in part, this is due to the fact that many people practice it and also have vaginal or anal intercourse. Additionally, few scientific studies have looked at the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (other than HIV) with cunniligus and anilingus versus fellatio.
In general, it should be considered that:
Some infections spread more easily with oral intercourse than other sexual practices. In some cases, even the simple contact of the skin and genital mucous membranes may suffice, as happens, for example, for genital herpes or acute warts;
Often, the risk is greater the more vigorous the unprotected oral sex is;
Sexually transmitted diseases do not always cause obvious symptoms, so even asymptomatic subjects, apparently in perfect health, can still transmit the infection with oral sex;
Infections can also be transmitted when partners do not reach orgasm during oral sex;
There are ways to limit the health risks associated with oral sex.
Infections and sexually transmitted diseases
Through unprotected oral sex, it is possible to contract some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and promote their spread, but not only.
If the partner has a genital or anal / rectal infection, unprotected oral sex can favor the transmission of the infectious agents in question in the oral cavity and throat;
Conversely, if your partner has a mouth or throat infection, it can spread to the penis, vagina, anus, or rectum.
It should also be considered that sexually transmitted infections can involve more than one area of the body at the same time, as in the case, for example, of the throat and genitals. Contracting a sexually transmitted infection in the throat and mouth, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can predispose to the spread of the disease throughout the body, as well as facilitate the spread of the infectious agent to other people through unprotected oral sex.
Another risk of unprotected oral sex is that sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted to a sexual partner, even if the infected person does not show any particular signs or symptoms (note: at the beginning, many STIs are asymptomatic). Regarding AIDS, although unprotected oral sex carries a lower risk of HIV transmission than other forms of intercourse, repeated unprotected exposures can increase the chances of contracting the infection. The concomitant presence of an oral or genital STD may further increase this risk.
In addition to sexually transmitted diseases (such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea and syphilis), intimate relationships that occur in this way can favor the onset of urinary, oral, pharyngeal or respiratory infections, such as those of which they are responsible E. coli, Shigella, hepatitis A virus and intestinal parasites (including Entamoeba histolytica, responsible for amoebiasis).
What else is there to know
Oral sex can transmit oral HPV, a risk factor for throat cancer;
Those who practice fellatio may incur injuries of the oral cavity mainly due to sucking, while those who receive it may accidentally suffer traumas caused by the teeth of the partner;
Oral sex can alter the natural pH of the female genitals, at least temporarily; usually, normalcy is restored quickly enough before an infection can arise.
How to protect yourself
What Precautions to Take for Safe Oral Sex?
To reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections or diseases through oral sex, you can use a condom, dental dam, or other barrier method of contraception each time you have oral sex or you receive it. In any case, it is of extraordinary importance to take care of intimate hygiene both before and after sexual activity.
Smells, Tastes and Discomfort with Oral Sex
A misconception that can make oral sex experience fear or prejudice, making you reluctant to explore cunnilingus and fellatio is that the male and female genitals smell or taste "bad". It is true that some people do not like at all and find the smell and taste of vaginal secretions, pre-seminal fluid and semen unpleasant, as well as others find both pleasant and highly arousing. Although this is also a somewhat "subjective" aspect, the physiological smell or taste is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, especially if you are scrupulous with intimate hygiene.
For Oral Sex on the penis (fellatio)
Cover the penis with a non-lubricated latex condom;
In case of latex allergy (own or partner's), it is possible to resort to polyurethane condoms.
For Oral Sex on the vagina (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus)
Place a dental dam between the mouth and the vagina or anus of the partner or, alternatively, make a square by cutting a condom.
How to reduce the risks
Strategies to prevent STDs are mainly based on adopting responsible sexual behavior. The most effective method of preventing sexually transmitted diseases is to put on a condom before starting intercourse. The correct use of condoms not only hinders the transmission of infections through body fluids, but also reduces the risk of contracting diseases by simple contact between the genitals, as in the case of genital herpes, acute warts and syphilis. In the latter cases, the protection offered is partial, as the contagion could occur by contact with areas not covered by the condom.
Any treatment of infections contracted with unprotected oral sex must also involve the partner, even when the latter does not show symptoms. This precaution is important to limit the spread of the disease to other people and avoid the ping-pong effect, i.e. the continuous passage of the infection from one partner to another. It is also important to refrain from sexual intercourse during treatment. Often, in sexually active women and men, a check-up is recommended within 3-6 months from the end of therapy, given the high incidence of relapses in this type of infections, to ascertain that eradication has taken place.
Insufficient, incorrect or excessive intimate hygiene, especially with unsuitable products, can facilitate infections. It is important to use specific and delicate products, so as not to alter the balance of the mucous membranes. In addition, it is good to wear underwear made of natural fibers, such as cotton, and avoid nylon, microfibre and clothing that is too tight, which can hinder the natural transpiration of the skin.
In conclusion, it is useful to remember that, in general, infections, not only those transmitted by oral sex, can be prevented by washing the hands, before and after using the toilet.