Fridae

Intro
Oral-vaginal sex is otherwise known as cunnilingus, going down on her, muff-diving and eating pussy. Oral-anal sex is usually called rimming. For some lesbian and bisexual women, oral sex also includes going down on a female lover's strapped on cock. A number of books have been written about lesbian sex and oral sex. The most recent and most comprehensive "how-to" guide is "The Whole Lesbian Sex Book: A Passionate Guide for All of Us," by Felice Newman, which will undoubtedly answer any technique questions you may have.

HIV, STDs and more
Although there is little published research on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) between women, there are documented cases of woman-to-woman transmission of some STDs. And there is every reason to believe that this transmission may have occurred during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. These STDs include herpes, hepatitis, HIV, and gonorrhea.

When a woman has an open herpes blister on or near her lips, she can transmit genital herpes to another woman's mouth if she kisses her and to her genitals if she goes down on her. Although herpes can be transmitted even when no sore is present, it is extremely contagious when a woman has an open lesion. Also, if a woman has an open sore, touches that sore with her fingers, and then touches her lover's genitals, she can transmit the virus via her fingertips. Because one in five people have genital herpes, it is likely that you may come into contact with a woman who does.

If you or your girlfriend have herpes, you can still kiss on the lips and enjoy oral sex�you just have to be aware of when you do so. The herpes sores only appear occasionally, and medication is available to help reduce the length of the outbreak. It is when the sores are visible that oral sex should be avoided completely, because this is when herpes is most transmissible. Even when the sores aren't present, though, herpes can still be transmitted. So any woman who has herpes or has a female sex partner who does, should always use dental dams or other barrier methods during oral sex.

Hepatitis A and B can also be transmitted during oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex. Hepatitis A can be transmitted during oral-anal sex while Hepatitis B can be transmitted through the exchange of blood or body fluids during oral-vaginal or oral-anal sex. There are documented cases of both Hepatitis A and B transmission between women, so if you enjoy oral sex, and rimming in particular, you may want to consider talking to your health care provider about the vaccinations available for both Hepatitis A and B.

There are a handful of documented cases of HIV transmission between women, but because there is little research in this area and because of how HIV and AIDS statistics are kept, the exact number of female-to-female HIV transmission cases isn't known. The known cases, however, most likely occurred through the transmission of the virus via menstrual blood or other blood play. Even though little research has been done on HIV transmission between women, all lesbian and bisexual women who have sex with a woman who is HIV-positive or who are HIV-positive themselves should use barriers during oral sex.

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Although no research has yet been done, there is reason to believe that gonorrhea could be transmitted from a woman's vagina or anus to her partner's throat during oral sex. Thus, if gonorrhea is present, dental dams or other barrier methods should definitely be used during oral sex.

All women who have sex with women should learn how to reduce their chances of contracting or spreading an STD. These techniques include placing a dental dam, plastic wrap (although, it has not been tested for effectiveness in preventing HIV and other STDs), or a condom cut in half between your mouth and her vagina or anus; starting with a new piece of plastic wrap or dental dam when you switch from the vagina to the anus; and getting vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B.

Technique
Vaginal-oral sex may involve sucking or licking on and around the clitoris, as well as inside and around the vagina. Remember that every woman enjoys oral sex differently. Because the clitoris is so sensitive, some women don't like being stimulated directly on the "head" of their clitoris. Experiment with different pressures and techniques with your partner, and don't be afraid to ask what they do and do not like. Try different rhythmic motions and use both your tongue and your lips.

Also, keep in mind that while some women find it easy and pleasurable to come from oral sex, others enjoy it more as foreplay and prefer to orgasm from hands, humping, penetration or other techniques.

Hygiene
Some women may shy away from having their lover go down on them because they fear they may smell unpleasant or taste bad. If this is you, think about taking a bath or shower prior to having sex (your partner might want to join you in the bath or shower, too!). In some instances, a woman may not feel comfortable having her lover go down on her when she has her period. Other women enjoy this, and especially enjoy sex partners who like the taste of menstrual blood (this, however, is something that should be enjoyed only with partners who are HIV-negative and do not have Hepatitis). Remember: all woman smell different at different points of the month and the varying flavors can be part of the fun!

Other card-carrying members of the lesbian and bisexual community don't like giving or receiving oral sex at all. Don't assume a woman you are about to have sex with likes oral sex just because she's a lesbian or bisexual. Ask.