Oral

Oral is common shorthand for oral sex, using the mouth, lips, or tongue to stimulate a partner's genitals or anus. It is practiced by people of all sexual orientations and genders and includes fellatio, cunnilingus, and anilingus. On the health side, the CDC notes there is little to no risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex, but other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, and HPV can pass through it. Barrier methods like condoms and dental dams used every time reduce that risk. Talking openly about safer oral sex is a normal part of sexual health and testing.