How to Have Safe Oral Sex
In case you didn’t know, there are tons of different ways to have sex involving all kinds of body parts, toys, and fantasies. One of our all-time favorites? Good, old-fashioned oral sex.
Not only is oral sex an amazing way to orgasm, but it’s also a fun way to explore the wonderful world of non-penetrative sex. But whether you’re trying something new with a partner or just curious, it’s important to put your sexual health first. Before you dive in, let’s talk about what safe oral sex looks like.
How to Talk About Oral With Your Partner
You’ve decided that you’re interested in trying oral sex with a new partner. Congrats! Talking about sex can feel pretty intimidating, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid the conversation.
Before you can dive into oral, you’ll need to make sure your partner feels excited about it, too. Take some time outside the bedroom to talk about pleasure. And if you’re nervous about trying oral with someone new, always be honest about your boundaries. Let your partner know what you want to try, what you’re willing to do, and what’s off-limits.
Don’t forget to keep the communication going during oral sex, too. You can tap into your dirty talk skills by telling your partner that you want it “harder,” “softer,” or “right there.” When you’re the one giving, pay attention to how your partner responds to your touch. Are they moaning, or do they lean away from your touch? If you’re having a hard time decoding their body language, check in and ask how they’re feeling.
Can You Get STIs and STDs From Oral Sex?
Yes, it’s possible to get sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from oral sex. There’s a common misconception that oral sex doesn’t spread STIs or STDs, but in reality, they can spread just as easily through oral sex as through regular sex. According to the CDC, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV can all be spread through oral sex.
If you have herpes, HPV, or another STD, be sure to tell your partner about your STD. There’s a lot of misinformation about STDs out there, so giving your potential partner the right information can help them make an informed choice. Disclosing can feel intimidating, but it’s essential to make sure your partner understands that there’s always a risk you can pass on an STD, even with condoms or other barrier methods.
Barrier Options for Safe Oral Sex
While you can develop STIs from oral sex, there’s good news: You can drastically reduce your chances of getting (or giving) an STI using barrier methods. Oral barriers prevent direct contact between the partners’ skin and any bodily fluids, which helps reduce the risk of STI transmission.
If you’re giving your partner a blowjob, consider using a condom, especially if you’re giving oral to a new partner or don’t know their STI status. You might ask your partner to wear a latex condom before you start giving them head. And remember: Latex doesn’t always taste the best, so it can be fun to use flavored condoms to spice things up.
If you’re eating your partner out, you should use a dental dam (AKA a rectangular-shaped piece of latex placed over the vulva). If you can’t find a dental dam (because, unlike condoms, they’re not always sold at drugstores), you can make a DIY dam by cutting off the tip of a condom. Then, just cut up the side of the condom and unroll before placing it over your vulva.
If you’re switching between different types of oral (for example, if you’re going from eating your partner out to eating their ass), make sure you’re using a fresh barrier each time.
Prioritize Your Sexual Health and Pleasure
Now that you’re an expert on oral, you can decide whether you want to try it or not. And if you’re looking to take your non-penetrative sex to the next level, Iridescence can help you heat things up while you’re going down.
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