Safer Oral Sex: Cunnilingus

While oral sex is often considered less risky than anal or vaginal sex, it still has it's risks. I've heard all the excuses in the world as to why people can't or won't use a barrier method such as a condom or dental dam for oral sex but it's essential for anyone who is not in a completely monogamous, fluidly-bonded relationship with a partners who know each others STI/HIV status and gets tested regularly.

Cunnilingus is the proper term for the act of oral sex on a female bodied person. To enjoy safer cunnilingus follow these steps:

Find yourself a consenting partner.

Find yourself a tasty flavored lubricant. Flavored Lubes come in a variety of flavors including sugar free, some glycerin free, organic, vegan, etc. Because the vagina is such a sensitive area, I suggest going with something more natural and glycerin free as the disruption of pH in the vagina can cause serious irritation and can kill sexy time.

Also find yourself an organic water based lubricant.

Obtain a dental dam. Dental Dams are rectangular sheets of latex used as a barrier method during oral sex. They come in a variety of flavors and can be found in some drug stores, online, or in sex toy stores. They aren't always easy to find but not to worry. Because they are similar to condoms in a different shape, you can take a flavored condom, cut off the tip, cut off the base and slit down the side. Now you have a rectangular sheet of latex you can use as a dental dam.

Now that you have everything you need (Partner, Flavored Lube, Water-based Lube, and Dental Dam) get your partner in a comfortable position. Put some water based lubricant directly on the vulva (external genital organ of a female). Now place the dental dam directly on top. Put flavored lubricant on top of that and enjoy.

If you intend to use your fingers to penetrate your partner use a latex glove with water based lubricant.

If your partner is allergic to latex use a non-latex glove (Nitrile) and polyurethane condom cut in a rectangular shape.

You might also consider using a sex toy as well. Any sex toy that is shared should be made of a non-porous material and properly sterilized between uses or should be covered by a condom.

Have fun and play safe!