ORAL sex is a sexual activity which involves the use of the mouth to stimulate partner’s genitals. There are several types; cunnilingus, sometimes referred to as cunnilinctus is the oral stimulation of a woman’s vagina and or vulva, especially her clitoris by her partner’s lips and tongue. Fellatio is stimulation of a man’s penis by his partner’s mouth; usually by licking or sucking. It is often wrongly referred to as a blow job in fact; it is highly dangerous to blow during this act or during cunnilingus.

Nippling is sucking or licking your partner’s nipples. It carries almost no risk of any infection. Rimming is stimulation of the partner’s anus with tongue or lips. Note that the anus is not a very clean area of the body, there is no doubt that rimming will lead to a transfer of germs to the mouth.

Oral sex is now widely practised in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. For many years, it was regarded as an almost unmentionable activity. But these days, research suggests that most sexually active people go in for oral sex sometimes.

Out of the different types of oral sex, fellatio and cunnilingus are extremely popular, and are widely regarded as a normal, enjoyable part of a sexual relationship. Furthermore, it is been shown that oral sex has certain positive aspects. Oral sex can be extraordinarily effective at helping women to reach a climax. It can also help men who have difficulties in getting an erection. It also cannot get a woman pregnant.

A lot of people get concerned; whether oral sex could give them infection. Because of concerns about the possibility of HIV and other infections transmission through the widespread practice of oral sex, the UK Department of Health set up an expert group to report back on the matter. In broad summary, their main conclusions were:

HIV and other infections can be transmitted by oral sex. Oral sex is certainly much safer when it comes to transmitting HIV and other infections than rectal or anal sex. Oral sex is probably safer than vaginal intercourse. Though ulcers in the mouth could increase the risk, in this case, oral sex could be more risky than penetrative sex.

In the case of cunnilingus, there may be an increased risk of transmission if the woman is menstruating. There is no evidence that mouthwashes could reduce the risk of infection. Using condoms during oral sex could reduce the chance of infection, but not eliminate it.