Cunnilingus

Cunnilingus is oral intercourse with a vulva on a partner. The giving partner uses their mouth to stimulate the receiving partner's clitoris or vulva during cunnilingus. Cunnilingus can occur during sex, after play, or foreplay. A giving partner can use cunnilingus to stimulate their partner, induce an orgasm, or prolong their pleasure after they have already had one.

Word Origins and Synonyms for Cunnilingus

The word "cunnilingus" dates back to approximately 1884. The Latin term for vulva, "cunnus," and the verb "lingere," which means "to lick," are combined to form this word. Although the etymology of the Latin word cuneus is unknown, some linguists think it might be a development of the phrase for sheath, slit, gash, and cut. Before becoming significantly more popular in the early 1960s, the term "cunnilingus" gained slowly in usage.

The term "cunnilingus" is more formal these days. In discussion, many people like to use colloquial words like:

  • Consuming pussy
  • Licking the pussy
  • Eating someone else's food
  • Diving with a muff
  • Rug-eating
  • Carpet-eating
  • Moving down the Y
  • In the valley, Yodeling
  • Eating a hair pie
  • Using the fuzzy cup to drink
  • Lunching in a box
  • Diving for pearls
  • Diving with a muff
  • Lip-synching
  • Bitchy-split
  • Lessons in French
  • And a lot more!

The History of Going Down

Throughout history, cunnilingus has been performed by almost every society. Ancient cave paintings show cunnilingus and Taoist teachings state that consuming vaginal secretions can strengthen the Yang (man) spirit. It wasn't always a joy, though. The Ancient Greeks believed that cunnilingus was reserved for impotent males or lesbians. Since the prevailing belief was that "real men" used their penises to appease their partners, accusing someone of cunnilingus was an emasculating slander. Jokes regarding the vulva's filth were also common among the Greeks and Romans. Long throughout the Middle Ages, this notion remained prevalent.

But views have changed. According to anthropologist Treena Orchard, cunnilingus is becoming a common way for people to express their sexuality.

Women's increased freedom to express their desires for pleasure has led to a rise in the discussion and practice of cunnilingus. The growth in authors and influencers who write on the orgasm gap and clitoris is linked to this. One such author is Dr. Laurie Mintz, who wrote the best-selling book "Becoming Cliterate: Why Orgasm Equality Matters- And How To Get It."

Celebrities have also facilitated the increase in our society's acceptance of cunnilingus. Several well-known male celebrities responded to DJ Khaled's 2018 statement that he doesn't engage in oral sex with women by posting films and social media messages expressing how much they enjoy demeaning women. Among these men was The Rock, who suggested that faithful men are skilled at cunnilingus and like it because it makes their female companions happy.

According to specialists, cunnilingus may also be motivated by evolutionary causes, even though it feels pleasant. According to a 2013 study that appeared in Evolutionary Psychology, people may engage in cunnilingus to obtain the right to mate and to search the vulva for sperm from a different partner. According to other research, people could use cunnilingus to make sure their spouse is hygienic and healthy. Although cunnilingus does not cause pregnancy, some researchers think that having an orgasm through cunnilingus first increases the likelihood that a person will keep their partner's sperm and become pregnant.

In the animal realm, cunnilingus is practiced, although it is not very common.

More About Cunnilingus

For certain vulva patients, getting cunnilingus is the most straightforward approach to experiencing orgasm. This could be a result of the cunnilingus's emphasis on activating the clitoris, which contains a large number of nerve endings. Additionally, the stimulation is kinder than what individuals often get from fingers, sex toys, or penises. In contrast to sex acts where the pair is excited collectively, cunnilingus involves the giving partner being wholly focused on the receiving partner. Giving partners can pay attention to their actions and their partner's response thanks to this focus.

How to Give Cunnilingus

It's a good idea to kiss and caress before engaging in oral sex. For cunnilingus, the receiving partner often stands, sits, or lies down until both parties are comfortable. The giving partner puts their head in between their partner's legs and uses their mouth to examine their vulva. The receiving partner's vulva may be kissed, licked, or gently sucked using their mouth, tongue, or lips. In order to heighten the sexual arousal of the recipient, the giving partner may occasionally stick their tongue within the vagina. The best course of action is to begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Communication with the receiving partner and practice are necessary for cunnilingus proficiency.

How to Receive Cunnilingus

Receiving partners can enjoy cunnilingus more when they are relaxed. Deep, deliberate breathing may help people who are self-conscious during cunnilingus relax. Some people prefer to close their eyes to concentrate on their bodily feelings. Others believe it is more intimate to lock eyes with the giving spouse. Some people enjoy touching themselves or their spouse or holding their hands.

Giving and receiving feedback from one another can increase cunnilingus's satisfaction. The receiving partner may praise them or suggest that they attempt methods that they find appealing. Pleasure-related moans and groans can also be uplifting.

Is cunnilingus safe?

Because there is no chance of getting pregnant and a lesser chance of spreading STIs than other sexual acts, cunnilingus is occasionally regarded as a comparatively low-risk behavior. Nonetheless, there is still a slight chance of spreading STIs such as human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhoea, herpes, and chlamydia.

Although cunnilingus can be practiced during the receiving partner's menstrual cycle, there is a greater risk involved because period blood can spread certain STIs, including syphilis and HIV. The giving partner's risk of getting and spreading an STI during cunnilingus can be decreased by wearing a dental dam. You can also use Saran Wrap. Lorals latex underwear, which has FDA approval as an STI prevention alternative, is a sensible choice for people who frequently enjoy cunnilingus.

Regularly getting tested for STIs and talking to partners about their status might help people lower their risks even more.

How to Get Better at Cunnilingus

A key component of effective cunnilingus is communication. It is typically more enjoyable for both parties when the receiver discusses the methods that enable them to experience an orgasm. Additionally, the providing partner could inquire as to whether a specific location or pressure is comfortable for their partner.

Partners can also gauge their partner's level of satisfaction by using nonverbal clues. The receiving partner is most likely having fun if they approach during cunnilingus. The supplying partner may alter their method or lessen the intensity if they are clenching their legs or retreating.

Cunnilingus is also enhanced by maintaining appropriate genital hygiene. Natural tastes and scents are typical and attractive to sexual partners despite the fact that some people are worried about the smell of their genitalia. Regular showering and genital cleanliness may help receiving partners feel more relaxed and self-assured. Products like douches should be avoided since they can disrupt the usual microorganisms in the genitalia. This could lead to discomfort or infection.