Oral sex (from Latin os, oris "mouth") consists of all the sexual activities that involve the use of the mouth and tongue, to stimulate genitalia. It may be used as foreplay before intercourse, as climax of a sexual act, or even following intercourse. It is sometimes performed to the exclusion of all other forms of sexual activity. Oral sex may or may not include the ingestion of semen and vaginal fluids. Ingestion of these fluids alone, without physical mouth-to-genital contact (e.g., the extreme facial act known as bukkake), is not considered to be oral sex. Common slang terms for oral sex include "going down on," "giving head to," "giving a blowjob to" (male), "eating out" (female), "licking off" (female) or "sucking off" (male) a sexual partner.

Oral sex is often, but certainly not always, intended to culminate in orgasm. Not only are the sexual organs sensitive and well supplied with nerve endings, the same is true of the mouth, tongue and lips, so enjoyment of oral sex is not always limited to the person on the receiving end.

Utility

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Oral sex is used in both homosexual and heterosexual relationships. In heterosexual relationships, oral sex can be a method of contraception (birth control) since pregnancy is impossible unless sperm enters the vagina. Many heterosexuals choose oral sex as an alternative to intercourse for this reason. It is important to note that oral sexual activities are not effective methods of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some heterosexual couples use fellatio as a substitute for intercourse during the woman's menstrual cycle.

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