Oral Sex

In oral sex, one partner uses their mouth, tongue, teeth, lips, or throat to arouse the genitalia of the other. It can happen during intercourse, as part of foreplay, or on its own. According to the 2010 National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior, 19% of women and 27% of men reported having had oral sex.

Other names for oral sex include cunnilingus, fellatio, and oral-genital sex. The phrase "went down on" is another way for one partner to describe oral sex.

More About Oral Sex

Oral sex is seen as a frequent sexual practice in both gay and straight couples, and it can be performed in a variety of positions. In contrast to 10% of males, 18% of women say they prefer oral sex to attain orgasm, according to the Janus Report on Sexual Behavior. Additionally, oral sex is more likely to produce an orgasm in women than vaginal intercourse.

There is no danger of pregnancy associated with oral sex from the standpoint of sexual health. Though it's less likely than with anal or vaginal intercourse, there is still a chance of spreading other STDs, such as HIV, in this manner. Oral intercourse has also been a worry in recent years due to the human p papillomavirus (HPV) causing oral cancer. The usage of condoms can significantly lower these risks.