Cunnilingus 101: Definition, Risks, and Safe Practice Tips

There are risks to engaging in mouth-to-vulva sex, but there are ways to make it safer.

Sexually active adults commonly practice oral sex. In fact, more than 85% of adults aged 18 to 44 years who are sexually active reported having oral sex at least once with a partner of the opposite sex.

One type of oral sex is cunnilingus, which involves the vagina and vulva (the outer genitals of a person with a vagina). Read on to learn more about cunnilingus, including how to practice it safely.

What Is Cunnilingus?

Cunnilingus is a form of oral sex in which a person's lips and tongue stimulate their partner's vagina and vulva—especially the clitoris, the vulva's pleasure center. It is also referred to as "going down" on someone, and the goal of cunnilingus is to help the receptive partner reach orgasm or experience pleasure.

The Risks of Cunnilingus

With cunnilingus, there is a chance of developing sexually transmitted infections (STI). Anyone exposed to a partner who has an STI can get an STI in the mouth, throat, genitals, or rectum. The risk of getting an STI or spreading one to others through oral sex depends on several things, including the:

  • Particular STI
  • Type of sex
  • Number of sex acts being performed
  • If protective measures are taken, like barrier methods

In addition, chlamydia and gonorrhea—two STIs that often appear together—may be transmitted during cunnilingus, though more research is needed. The receptive partner can even catch HSV-1 (the usual cause of cold sores) or HSV-2 in the genital area because of oral sex. It is also possible to contract syphilis or HPV from cunnilingus.

Engaging in oral sex on the vagina of a partner with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may cause HIV, though the risk of infection is thought to be very low.

There is more to learn about the risk of contracting an STI from giving or receiving cunnilingus. There are few studies available that have looked at the risk of getting an STI from giving oral sex on the vagina or anus. In addition, most people who have oral sex also have vaginal or anal sex, so pinpointing where the STI would have been picked up is difficult.

How To Practice Cunnilingus Safely

Barrier methods, such as condoms or dental dams, are believed to be effective at reducing the risks of developing an STI. They should be used every time you engage in sexual activity.

Poor oral health and sores in the mouth or on the genitals may increase a person's chances of getting HIV or other STIs during oral sex if exposed to a partner with an STI. Ensure that your mouth is in good health and avoid oral sex if you have the following in or around your mouth or lips:

  • Cuts
  • Bleeding gums
  • Open sores

You should also avoid oral sex if the receptive partner has genital lesions or otherwise knows they are positive for an STI.

Talk with a healthcare provider about STI testing if you are sexually active. In some cases, people may not know that they have an STI because the infections may not present with any symptoms. Getting tested and knowing if you have an STI can help prevent the transmission of STIs.

A Quick Review

Cunnilingus is oral sex where one partner uses their mouth to stimulate their partner's vagina or vulva.

The transmission of STIs is the main risk of cunnilingus. However, there are ways to reduce that risk, such as using barrier methods (e.g., condoms) or refraining from oral sex.

If you have questions about sexual activity (or STIs), it's a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider.

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Sources
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  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STD risk and oral sex - CDC fact sheet.

  2. Pakpahan C, Darmadi D, Agustinus A, Rezano A. Framing and understanding the whole aspect of oral sex from social and health perspectives: a narrative reviewF1000Res. 2022;11:177. doi:10.12688/f1000research.108675.3

  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How you can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

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