Dear laurengirl91x,

Oral sex is using one's mouth to stimulate a partner's genitals. Many people are nervous when they start to experiment with sex play — especially when they are trying things with a new partner! Many people wonder about the best techniques to use with sex partners. The truth is, there is no one, single formula for sexual pleasure, nor is there any exact recipe for earth-shaking orgasms.

As with any kind of sex play, communication is key when it comes to oral sex. 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. The reality is that it takes a great deal of maturity and self-awareness for anyone — girl or guy — to speak openly and honestly with an intimate partner. Finding out what feels best for your partner might be just a matter of using your mouth ... to ask!

Oral sex can't cause pregnancy, and it's very low risk for HIV. However, oral sex can put both partners at risk for other sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea, herpes, HPV, and syphilis, among others. Using condoms to cover the penis or Glyde dams to cover the vulva or anus can reduce 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.