In the field of sexuality, oral sex is not only a possible source of pleasure, but it plays an important role in knowing oneself and the body of others.
Definitions and some important premises
Before delving into the most interesting aspects of the topic, some considerations are fundamental, even if they may seem obvious, to approach oral sex in the best possible way.
First, it must be remembered that sexual health and sexuality influence each other. For this reason, sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a "broad consideration of sexuality, which, in turn, underlies behaviors and consequences. important for sexual health.
Sexual health is about well-being, not just the absence of disease or dysfunction, and is relevant throughout the life span of the individual, not just for people of reproductive age.
In this regard, it is important to remember the definition provided by the "World Health Organization, according to which sexual health is:" a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, which requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relations, as well as the possibility of having pleasant and safe experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence ".
Sexual health is expressed through different sexualities and forms of sexual expression that must be interpreted according to specific contexts, expectations, dynamics and other subjective and relational factors. In any case, sexual health and sexuality imply respect, safety and freedom.
Oral sex: when and how much is it practiced?
Oral sex is commonly practiced by over 85% of sexually active subjects between the ages of 18 and 44. Many people practice oral sex before, or instead of, coital intercourse: although it is often included in foreplay with the intent of arousing and maintaining arousal, this type of intercourse is not necessarily preparatory to penetration or other activities aimed at to reach orgasm.
In this regard, read also Orgasm: What is it? How it works and what it is for , clitoris and / or vagina.
Fellatio
Fellatio is the stimulation of the penis and / or testicles with the lips and tongue.
Anilingus or Rimming
Anilingus, also called rimming, is the oral stimulation of the anus.
What Oral Sex Is Not
Oral sex can be practiced alone or in the context of other sexual activities, including vaginal and anal intercourse, petting (understood as a combination of passionate kissing, manual stimulation, rubbing of the genitals) and mutual masturbation. For this reason, it is difficult to define conventional boundaries. For example, stimulation with the tongue, mouth, and lips of other parts of the body, such as the breasts and nipples, is generally not considered oral sex, although it can occur during this type of intercourse.
To learn more, see: What are the Erogenic Zones and How to Stimulate Them of sperm during fellatio would be a practice that would unknowingly accustom the body to the partner's DNA, so the immune system does not trigger adverse reactions during pregnancy. Considering that a number of gestational disorders derive from the recognition of the father's genes as foreign introducing them early into the body could help reduce the likelihood of similar occurrences. The authors of the article believe this is a possible evolutionary explanation for the practice of fellatio.Oral sex: why does it feel good?
Shutterstock
Here are some of the potential benefits of oral sex reported in the scientific literature:
- It can lead to very intense orgasms: according to a 2016 research reported on The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, nearly 70% of women describe oral sex as "very pleasurable", due to direct stimulation of the clitoris. A third of women said they needed this type of contact to reach climax, according to research published in Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy of 2017.
- It improves some relationships and urges others: some people experience oral sex as a "relationship strengthening" and a "very intimate connection" shared with a partner, as it means looking at him and seeing him enter a very personal space. Research also suggests that people often engage in oral sex, even if they don't enjoy it. The aforementioned study by Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality 2016, for example, also found that men were significantly more likely than women (52% versus 28%) to report that having oral sex was "very enjoyable."
- Could be good for your health: Some studies have even suggested that exposure to sperm offers particular health benefits, such as a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia or depression. However, this evidence is still under discussion.
The exact risks of unprotected oral sex are difficult to estimate; in part, this is due to the fact that many people practice it and also have vaginal or anal intercourse. Furthermore, few scientific studies have examined the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases (other than HIV) with cunniligus and anilingus compared to fellatio.
In general, it should be considered that:
- Some infections spread more easily with oral intercourse than other sexual practices. In some cases, even simple contact with the skin and genital mucous membranes may suffice, as happens, for example, with genital herpes or acute warts;
- Often, the risk is greater the more vigorous the unprotected oral sex is;
- Sexually transmitted diseases do not always cause obvious symptoms, so even asymptomatic subjects, apparently in perfect health, can still transmit the infection with oral sex;
- Infections can also be transmitted when partners do not reach orgasm during oral sex;
- There are ways to limit the health risks associated with oral sex.
Infections and sexually transmitted diseases
Through unprotected oral sex, it is possible to contract some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and promote their spread, but not only.
- If the partner has a "genital or anal / rectal infection, unprotected oral sex can favor the transmission of the infectious agents in question in the oral cavity and throat;
- Conversely, if your partner has an "infection in the mouth or throat, it may be spread to the penis, vagina, anus or rectum.
It should also be considered that sexually transmitted infections can involve more than one area of the body at the same time, as in the case, for example, of the throat and genitals. Contracting a sexually transmitted infection in the throat and mouth, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can predispose the disease to spread throughout the body, as well as facilitate the spread of the infectious agent to other people through unprotected oral sex.
Another risk of unprotected oral sex is that sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted to a sexual partner, even if the infected person does not show particular signs or symptoms (note: at the beginning, many STIs are asymptomatic). Regarding AIDS, although unprotected oral sex carries a lower risk of HIV transmission than other forms of intercourse, repeated unprotected exposures can increase the chances of contracting the infection. The concomitant presence of an oral or genital STD may further increase this risk.
In addition to sexually transmitted diseases (such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, HPV, gonorrhea and syphilis), intimate relationships that occur in this way can favor the onset of urinary, oral, pharyngeal or respiratory infections, such as those of which they are responsible E. coli, Shigella, hepatitis A virus and intestinal parasites (including Entamoeba histolytica, responsible for amoebiasis).
What else is there to know
- Oral sex can transmit oral HPV, a risk factor for throat cancer;
- Those who practice fellatio may incur injuries of the oral cavity mainly due to sucking, while those who receive it may accidentally suffer traumas caused by the teeth of the partner;
- Oral sex can alter the natural pH of the female genitals, at least temporarily; usually, normalcy is restored fairly quickly before an infection can arise.
Smells, Tastes and Discomfort with Oral Sex
A "misconception that can make oral sex live with fear or prejudice, making you reluctant to explore cunnilingus and fellatio" is that the male and female genitals smell or taste "bad". It is true that some people do not like at all and find the smell and taste of vaginal secretions, pre-seminal fluid and semen unpleasant, as well as others find both pleasant and highly arousing. Although this is also a somewhat "subjective" aspect, the physiological smell or taste is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about, especially if you are scrupulous with intimate hygiene.
For oral sex on the penis (fellatio)
- Cover the penis with a non-lubricated latex condom;
- In case of latex allergy (own or partner's), it is possible to resort to polyurethane condoms.
For Oral Sex on the vagina (cunnilingus) or anus (anilingus)
- Place a dental dam between the mouth and the vagina or anus of the partner or, alternatively, make a square by cutting a condom.
How to reduce the risks
Strategies to prevent STDs are mainly based on adopting responsible sexual behaviors. The most effective method in preventing sexually transmitted diseases is to wear a condom before starting intercourse. The correct use of condoms not only hinders the transmission of infections through body fluids, but also reduces the risk of contracting diseases by simple contact between the genitals, as in the case of genital herpes, acute warts and syphilis. In the latter cases, the protection offered is partial, as the contagion could occur by contact with areas not covered by the condom.
Any treatment of infections contracted with unprotected oral sex must also involve the partner, even when the latter does not show symptoms. This precaution is important to limit the spread of the disease to other people and avoid the ping-pong effect, that is the continuous passage of the infection from one partner to another. During treatment, it is also important to refrain from sexual intercourse. , in sexually active women and men, a check-up is recommended within 3-6 months from the end of therapy, given the high incidence of relapses in this type of infections, to ascertain that eradication has taken place.
Insufficient, incorrect or excessive intimate hygiene, especially with unsuitable products, can facilitate infections. It is important to use specific and delicate products, so as not to alter the balance of the mucous membranes. In addition, it is good to wear underwear made of natural fibers, such as cotton, and avoid nylon, microfibre and clothing that is too tight, which can hinder the natural transpiration of the skin.
In conclusion, it is useful to remember that, in general, infections, not only those transmitted by oral sex, can be prevented by washing the hands, before and after using the toilet.
.jpg)
