The sexual practices that take us through the labyrinth of pleasure can be amazingly varied for those who dare to partake of the forbidden fruit to fully enjoy their sexuality. As an alternative to intercourse, oral sex can bring up an unending list of myths and beliefs that can trouble us which we will demystify according to each situation.
Oral sex has always been under a sort of shadow, something that was only done with one’s partner and seldom talked about. But the sexual revolution of the ‘60s put oral sex on center stage and made it ever more popular. And so, cunnilingus, the oral stimulation of the vagina, and fellatio, the oral stimulation of the penis, took their place of importance in reference to sex through which, in turn, has created around itself a wall of doubts, affirmations, myths, and half truths that can become problems for sexual health. Anything can be dangerous when it is taken with false precepts.
We often hear things that are considered “common knowledge” of which we have very little certainty of. Let’s demystify some of these legends.
Myth #1: STDs cannot be transmitted through oral sex
This affirmation is incorrect. The HIV Information Center of the University of California, San Francisco explains that giving oral sex to men can cause infections if the mouth has an open wound. In the case of women, if they are going through their menstrual period, they run all the risks of infections as well. This myth is very popular today but we must understand that the risk of infection is always present if one does not take the necessary precautions.
Oral sex does not help spread syphilis
This statement, from what has just been explained, is false. This disease produces spots and ulcers in the genital area that are caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. Oral sex without protection becomes a focal point for infection for men as well as women because the bacteria is transmitted through direct skin to skin contact. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that there is a high percentage of transmission of syphilis through oral sex, and as such, it should be practiced carefully with protection or with those you can trust.
Can HIV be transmitted as a result of brushing your teeth before oral sex?
This is another false statement. AIDS Vancouver, a Non Governmental Organization, refutes this by explaining that an enzyme is present in saliva whose predominant function is the prevention of the infection of HIV. It doesn’t matter if we cause any small wounds in our mouths while brushing our teeth. These are of no risk since there are no direct access points to blood circulation. This means that the possibility of transmission of HIV through oral sex is very low. It is noteworthy, though, that according to these specialists, bodily fluids such as vaginal or semen or even maternal milk, of not less importance, constitutes as a potential transmitter of the disease by which the fluid enters into a partner’s body which always creates a latent risk.
Myth #2: Can pineapple juice change the taste of semen?
A very false statement. The taste nor the consistency of body fluids can change so quickly or even my magic. Although it is true that to some extent there could occur some changes according to one’s diet and individual metabolism, by no means does the taste change so quickly. This doesn’t happen either with sweat, vaginal fluids, or semen. So there’s nothing to worry about; it’s impossible for bodily fluids to taste like pineapple just because you had some juice right before sex.
Myth #3: Women can’t reach orgasm through oral sex
A great lie. It is proven that 80% of women reach orgasm through oral sexual stimulation, a percentage much higher compared to the data available on vaginal penetration. This is a very popular, yet very misleading myth. Women’s sexual experiences are not strictly limited to conventional sex. Oral stimulation opens the door to orgasm.
By demystifying these false assertions in regards to oral sex, it is important to understand that the search for pleasure takes couples through roads where they feel so comfortable as to create chemistry that allows them to complement each other in their intimacy. It is important that we are aware of having the right information when it comes to our sexual practices and therefore take the necessary precautions to fully enjoy each other’s company.
