Foreplay is a term that is generally used to describe any sexual activity that occurs prior to sexual intercourse.¹ However, foreplay does not always have to lead to sex. Unfortunately, foreplay is something that many either rush through or ignore altogether. In doing so, many individuals are missing out on the opportunity to develop a…
Tag: oral sex
Non-Sexual Transmission of STIs
Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are conditions typically passed from one person to another through sexual contact.. Despite their name, it is possible to transmit STIs through non-sexual interactions; however, non-sexual transmission of STIs is less common and often treatable. Misunderstanding what constitutes sexual activity, poor hygiene practices, and transmission from a pregnant parent to…
Herpes
Herpes is a viral disease also known as HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). There are more than 70 different strains of the herpes virus, although humans are susceptible to only four of them. There are two types of HSV. Herpes Type I is most commonly found above the waist — in the mouth, nose, and eyes…
Increasing Popularity of Oral Sex
Since the “Sexual Revolution” of the 1960s, oral sex has become a more common sexual behavior among people of all ages.1 It has often been assumed that men have a greater interest in oral sex than women. It is also commonly assumed that when oral sex occurs, it is much more likely that a female…
What Is Consent?
Disclaimer: We acknowledge that there are many different words that individuals use to describe themselves after experiencing sexual assault. In this article, we use the term ‘survivor’ for the sake of consistency. We acknowledge that there are many ways of processing sexual violence, and believe each individual person should choose the language that they are most…
Barriers During Oral Sex: The Wise Choice
Oral sex includes contact between the mouth and a penis, vagina, or anus. Although oral sex cannot lead to pregnancy, oral sex can and does lead to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Oral barriers, including condoms and dental dams, prevent direct contact between the partners’ skin and any bodily fluids, significantly reducing the…
Dental Dams
Dental dams are small, square pieces of latex or silicone rubber that are placed outside the vulva or anus. Dental dams prevent the transfer of bodily fluids by creating a barrier between the mouth and vulva or anus during oral sex. If a dam is not available at your local drugstore, plastic saran wrap from…
Sodomy Laws in the U.S.
The modern definition of sodomy is any “noncoital carnal copulation” or any kind of “non-penile-vaginal intercourse.” 1 This definition is an umbrella term for any sexual activity that is not for procreation such as homosexual behavior, anal sex, bestiality and zoophilia, sex with minors, and many other sexual activities such as oral sex. The antiquated…