Blowjob

A blow job is a sexual act wherein one uses one’s mouth and tongue to stimulate the penis and surrounding area, sometimes including the scrotum and perineum, of another person. A blow job can be performed on any penis with or without foreskin. It can also be enacted on a synthetic penis or strap-on dildo.

The term “blow job” itself is a slang term. Formally, it is known as fellatio, which is derived from the Latin fellare which means ‘to suck’. This oral sex activity is known by other slang terms and euphemisms such as giving head, going down, giving dome, a hummer, sucking cock, sucking dick, and blowing. The equivalent of performing this act on a vulva is called cunnilingus.

The Penis is an Erogenous Zone

The penis is a highly sensitive and responsive erogenous zone packed with nerve-endings that make sensual or sexual touch enjoyable for most people. Consensual oral stimulation of the genitals is therefore pleasurable for many people. A blow job can be performed on a partner to initiate sexual arousal, to raise a partner’s arousal levels, to prepare someone for penetrative sex, to induce orgasm, or for the general enjoyment of both the giving and receiving partners.

Blow Job Techniques and Considerations

For the receiving partner

The most effective intensity, speed, and style of stimulation through a blow job is subjective to each receiving partner’s unique range of body sensitivity, preferences, and pleasure needs. Whether or not the person receiving the blowjob has a foreskin can also affect that person’s level of sensitivity. Sensitivity levels can also vary, therefore the style, rhythm, and intensity of stimulation may need to be adjusted for optimal pleasure results.

To complement the stimulation provided by their mouth and tongue, the partner performing the blow job can use their hands to stroke or lightly squeeze the receiving partner’s shaft, to stimulate the scrotum, palpate the perineum, or penetrate the anus to stimulate the prostate for additional stimulation and the possibility of more intense orgasms.

For the giving partner

The preferences and ability of the person performing the blow job also deserve consideration. Every giver’s gag reflex can vary. Some people can and enjoy taking a penis deeper into their mouth and throat, a method known as “deepthroating”, while others do not feel comfortable doing so.

When the blow job is being performed as a means to bring someone to sexual climax, the person performing the blow job may have a preference as to where they would like their partner to ejaculate.

Communication regarding preferences and boundaries prior to engaging in sexual activity, with verbal check-ins and non-verbal feedback during the act, and feedback after the session are all effective means of determining what is best for and with your current partner.

Safety and Risks

As with any activity that can involve exposure to bodily fluids, there is a level of risk associated with performing blowjobs. It is possible to transmit sexually transmitted infections (STI) between one’s mouth and another’s penis. 

Regular STI screenings are the best way to manage one’s sexual health. However, many medical and testing centers do not offer a throat swab as part of their basic screening process. Ask your STI testing professional to include a throat swab test to ensure the most thorough testing for you and your partner(s). 

To further reduce the possibility of STI contraction, one can use a condom during oral sex.