Oral sex is the stimulation of a man's or woman's genitals with the mouth or tongue. Oral sex is an ancient and widespread practice: one study reported that more than 90% of married couples under 25 had engaged in oral sex and there is new evidence that older couples are trying it, some for the first time. Oral sex is an excellent way to perform foreplay or arouse a partner to orgasm. 

Often referred to as going down on, giving a blow job, sucking or giving head, the medical terms are cunnilingus, where the woman's genitals are stimulated by the partner's mouth or tongue, and fellatio, where the man's genitals are stimulated by his partner's mouth and tongue. Couples who enjoy oral sex see it as a normal and pleasurable part of lovemaking, a powerful method of arousal for men and a softer and gentler form of stimulation for women.

Oral sex is extremely normal and some research shows approximately 9 out of 10 people include it as part of their lovemaking. Not every couple likes oral sex and if you don't like it, don't practice it.

Health experts point out that fellatio and cunnilingus both involve an exchange of bodily fluids, and that there is an element of risk of HIV or other STD transmission. Some American authorities have declared that as long as neither partner has open cuts or sores in their mouth, oral sex is safe. Others say that even brushing or flossing your teeth can create tiny cuts that may not be apparent.

Diseases that can be transmitted by semen or vaginal fluids include gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and possibly HIV. Oral-genital contact can also transmit herpes, syphilis and genital warts if these organisms are present. So, unless you are sure that your partner does not have HIV or another STD, use a condom for a man and a dental dam for oral-genital contact with a women.

1998 SWEETDREAMZ