Oral sex

Lore & Background

Oral sex encompasses several forms, including cunnilingus (stimulation of the vulva), fellatio (stimulation of the penis), and anilingus (stimulation of the anus). It can be performed in positions such as facesitting, where the receiver sits on the giver's face, or the sixty-nine position, where both partners perform oral sex simultaneously. Irrumatio is a forced form of fellatio, while autofellatio and autocunnilingus are rare self-stimulation variants. Group sex acts involving one woman giving oral sex to several men are referred to as gangsuck, blowbang, or lineup.

Reader's Guide

Oral sex is a common sexual practice with varied cultural and personal significance. It is often regarded as taboo, though most countries do not ban it. Many people, especially teenagers, use oral sex to preserve virginity—termed 'technical virginity'—by avoiding penile-vaginal penetration. Definitions of virginity loss vary among gay men and lesbians. Oral sex does not result in pregnancy, as there is no connection between the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems; however, semen contacting the vaginal area via fingers or other body parts poses a risk. Barrier methods like condoms or dental dams can reduce STI transmission, though no such methods have been FDA-evaluated for oral sex. Studies indicate that oral sex is commonly practiced by sexually active couples of various ages and orientations, with males more likely to have received it. Health risks include transmission of STIs such as chlamydia, HPV, and HIV, though risk is lower than for vaginal or anal sex. HPV infection from oral sex has been linked to oral and throat cancers. The practice may also reduce miscarriage risk through immunological tolerance, though this is not fully established.

Did You Know?

• Oral sex may be performed as foreplay or as an erotic act in its own right.
• Unprotected oral sex on a person infected with HPV may increase the risk of oral cancer.
• Oral sex does not result in pregnancy because the gastrointestinal and reproductive systems are not connected.