Everything You Need to Know About Oral Sex (And Have Been Desperate to Ask!)
Oral sex goes by a few different names. Heard of blow jobs or going down on someone? That's referring to oral sex! While the term might sound a bit clinical, the act itself is a natural and expressive way in which you can show your partner affection.
But, like all other intimate acts, it's important to approach oral sex with thoughtful communication and respect for safety.
What is oral sex?
Stimulating the vulva, penis and anal area with your mouth is essentially what oral sex is. When it comes to penises, it's also common to massage or pamper the testicles too with a tongue, breath play or mouth.
For people with vulvas, a common starting point is the stimulation of the clitoral area. As it's located externally, it's usually easy to reach and massage with the tongue and suction of the mouth.
It might not spring to mind automatically, but anal play is also a way in which pleasure can be offered orally. Rimming, as it's also known, involves targeting the sensitive nerves around the anus, often in combination with a finger or toy.
Top oral sex tips
Like most things intimate, one of the most important things to ensure fun, pleasurable oral sex is COMMUNICATION. Connections are all about being on the same page, so it only makes sense that talking and expressing yourself is so often key for you and your partner's pleasure. But there are a few other tips to keep in mind too:
- Keep It Clean: Hygiene is important, especially when it comes to using your hands too! Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before any intimate play – and if you're on the receiving end, make sure you have had a shower if necessary. While it's not needed to smell like roses or any artificial fragrances, good hygiene shows you care about your partner's experience too!
- Warm Up: Before you dive in – pun intended – maybe start things off slow with some massage or sensual play. That will help your partner relax and ensure you are both ready to enjoy an even more intense, oral massage after that!
- Mix Things Up: If you're not sure what is working for your partner, don't be shy, just ask what they like! And if they're not sure either, then just try a few different techniques until you find something that works – and you'll be able to tell from their reaction!
Top Oral Sex Toys
Sometimes you just need a hand. With oral sex, you can literally add a hand or finger or two, or you can invite a toy to play. Let's find out the best toys you can try:
- Bullet vibrators: For something compact and with a lot of oomph, try a bullet vibrator to stimulate the sensitive nerve endings your tongue can't reach at the same time.
- Anal toys: Plugs are a fun way to stimulate the sensitive anal muscles and can even add that zing to the prostate. Add one in to your next oral session and you'll see stars!
- Massagers: To create an all-over pampering feel, try a mini massager that can treat sensitive spots like nipples, the labia or even the perineum to intense vibes.
Is oral sex safe?
Good news – yes, it is! Like most intimate encounters, you just need to keep a few things in mind before getting things started. Safe sex is an important way to ensure your play is both fun and healthy for you and your partner. With the help of protection like dental dams or condoms, you can reduce the chances of passing on STIs, even those that might be not yet diagnosed. For help with finding which protection option is right for you, a healthcare professional can always help with concerns like allergies and cost.
