Oral sex happens when one sex partner kisses, licks or sucks on the genitals of their partner. Common names for oral sex are “giving a blow job”, “giving head”, “going down” (on a girl) and “rimming” (on an anus). It is also called cunnilingus (on a vagina), fellatio (on a penis) or analingus (on an anus).

Even though you can’t get pregnant with oral sex,  you can get an STI or pass one on to your partner. When you are giving or receiving oral sex, you should use condoms or oral dental dams to protect against STIs. Respect yourself and respect your partner by using protection so you don’t get an STI (or pass one on to your partner).

• When a male is receiving oral sex, he should wear a condom to protect himself and his partner.

• When a female is receiving oral sex, she should use an oral dental dam to protect herself and her partner.  If you don’t have an oral dental dam, you can make your own using a condom.

• Oral dental dams can also be used to protect partners during oral-anal sex.  If you don’t have an oral dental dam, you can make your own using a condom.

• Sexuality and U explains more about using dental dams or making your own if you don’t have one.