Rarely is there an instance where someone needs to douche, which is why Vrangalova suggests sticking to a mild soap to keep everything squeaky clean. Douching is actually really bad because it alters the pH of the vagina, which makes it more susceptible to infection and bacteria. Vrangalova confirms there's zero need for vaginal douching or even using heavy soaps.
"It's important to consider if you or your partner has any mouth sores or bleeding gums prior to engaging in oral sex."īut before you scrub your teeth pre-oral, Vrangalova notes that "flossing or brushing your teeth just before or just after oral sex increases the likelihood of STI transmission, especially if people have sensitive gums that bleed easily." A good rule of thumb? Don't engage in oral sex within two hours of brushing or flossing to give your mouth time to recover.ĩ Experts Dish on the Best Shower Sex Positions 5. "Oral health has a direct correlation to the transmission of infections," says sex and relationship expert Ashley Cobb. When it comes to oral sex, most people don't necessarily think about their oral hygiene, but it's actually pretty important. There's nothing wrong with you or your natural scent, so don't let anyone shame you into thinking differently. But remember: Vaginas are supposed to smell like vaginas. If you showered 10 hours ago, then probably yes."Īgain, it all depends on what you've been doing and how comfortable you are with your partner.
"If you showered an hour or two before, it's probably not necessary. "Most people prefer that the genitals are relatively clean when they go down on their partners, as smegma accumulates, and smell and taste become more intense the longer it's been," explains Vrangalova. Not only do you want to keep things clean to avoid spreading bacteria, but just the act of wiping down can alleviate some anxiety and make you feel more confident. So if it's really bugging you and you want to just relax, you won't lose anything by taking a shower or using an unscented wipe on your genitals. PSA: You smell and taste perfectly fine! Do not feel self conscious about your body for any reason because you! are! perfect!īut, it's easy to get in your head about these things, especially when you're with a new partner. "Many vaginas get these on a somewhat regular basis, so it's good to become familiar with the typical appearance and smell of your vaginal discharge over the course of the cycle, so before sex, you can check for any unusual changes." "It's a good idea to check that there isn't a yeast or bacterial vaginosis infection going on," she says. Getting regular checkups is important for everyone, but NYU professor of human sexuality and Lelo sexpert Zhana Vrangalova, PhD, says it's especially important for vulva-owners. Roskin suggests taking the pressure off of yourself and just exploring what feels good in the moment. Luckily, there are plenty of types of sex out there to try if you're not feeling oral. Not only do you want to ensure there's enthusiastic consent around the board, but if you're not in the mood to give someone a lil tongue action, it's going to bring down the whole experience. Preferences change day by day, so what you liked yesterday might not be the same thing you’ll like tomorrow. Our 4-Week Oral Sex Challenge Is Right This Way 1.Check in with yourself.īefore diving below the sheets, take a second to decide if oral is what you're feeling.
“Some see oral sex as a good way to explore intimacy with their partner in a different way than their norm, and others find oral sex preferable or more pleasurable than other forms of sex,” Dr. And even if you typically have penetrative intercourse, outercourse such as oral sex is a great way to mix things up. One of the many good things about oral sex is that it’s typically a reliable path to orgasm for folks with clitorises, thanks to all the direct, wet contact, O'Reilly explains. “Kissing, sucking, licking, flicking, breathing, tasting” can all be part of oral sex, she explains, as can mouth-to-anus contact. No one has to orgasm for it to be “official,” and ASTROGLIDE resident sexologist, Jess O’Reilly, PhD adds that there are a whole lotta ways you can have it. And since oral sex is one of the hottest things you can do with a partner, it’s important to learn not only what you like when receiving a lil tongue action, but how (and if!) your partner likes it as well.īefore diving into some of our favorite oral sex tips, however, ob-gyn and chief medical officer of Favor, Amy Roskin, MD, says it’s important to note that any mouth-to-genital contact counts as oral sex. It’s the perfect combination for intense orgasms and ultimate intimacy. I mean, come on-you're close, you're wet, you're naked. Even though there are a lot of different types of sex out there, few can compare with the one and only oral.