Dear daydrmblvr,

Oral sex is using one's mouth to stimulate a partner's genitals.

Just as with any kind of sex play, everybody is different — with various likes and dislikes, so communication is the key. In order to make sexual intimacy more satisfying, it's important to be clear with yourself and your partner about what kinds of sex play you want to do and don't want to do.

Learning how to perform oral sex on someone is usually done by letting each other know what feels good and what doesn't — so both partners can learn what is pleasurable.

Although there is no chance for pregnancy to happen from oral sex, unprotected oral sex puts both partners at risk for a number of sexually transmitted infections, whether they are giving or receiving genital stimulation. Although the risks of infection are generally quite a bit lower with unprotected oral sex than they are with unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse, using a barrier during oral sex can further decrease those risks. For safer oral sex, using a condom to cover the penis, or a Glyde dam or plastic wrap to cover the vulva or anus, reduces the risk of infection.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.