How Common Is Oral Sex? [Statistics & Facts]

Oral sex, a subject often whispered about behind closed doors, is brought to the forefront in this enlightening piece by the Bedbible Research Center. This article sheds light on the intricate dynamics of oral intimacy, revealing how Americans truly feel and engage with it. With captivating statistics like 59% of women regularly participating compared to 52% of men and the potential health implications, there’s much to uncover.

But why should you trust this piece? It’s grounded in rigorous research and backed by credible sources, ensuring you’re getting a well-informed perspective. Embark on this journey to demystify one of the most discussed yet often misunderstood aspects of human intimacy.

Do you want access to our dataset or just have questions about our findings then reach out to us at: researchcenter@bedbible.com.

Key Takeaways

59% of all women say they give oral sex regularly, in comparison just 52% of men report the same.
4 in 5 couples practice oral sex.
On average a person gives oral sex 5.32 times per month
52% of women report enjoying pleasing their partners with oral sex, and only 28% of men feel the same.
85% have tried to receive oral sex
25-29 years old on average have oral sex most frequently.
The average age of giving or receiving oral sex is 16 years old.
92.6% of women report that they like to give blow jobs.
66% play with their partner’s body while giving oral sex
Oral sex is scientifically linked to throat cancer
You can get STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) from oral sex

How Americans Feel About Oral Sex
What is Oral Sex?
- Fellatio vs Cunnilingus vs Anilingus
Literature review

How Americans Feel About Oral Sex

80% of Americans find pleasure in oral sex
73.5% of Americans think that oral sex is fun
55.8% of Americans believe that oral sex can make them feel closer to their partners
25.3% of Americans believe that oral sex makes them self-conscious
12.8% think uncomfortable
8.4% think it makes them feel dirty
6.3% of Americans think that oral sex is gross
3.5% of Americans deemed oral sex as a shameful activity

What Actions Americans Usually Perform While Giving Oral Sex

66% of Americans play their partner’s other body parts while giving oral sex
13.3% will do nothing besides the act of oral sex
11.7% choose to masturbate while giving oral sex
7.4% prefer to grab their partner’s hair

How Often Do Americans Perform Oral Sex (Based on the Average Frequency of Performing Oral Sex per Month)

Overall (5.32 times)
Heterosexual (5.14 times)
Gay (5.37 times)
Lesbian (4.57 times)
Bisexual (6.77 times)
Men (4.97)
Women (5.98 times)
Single (5.64 times)
In a relationship (5.25 times)

Note: Number of Respondents: 1008 U.S. citizens; 18 years and above

How Often Americans Receive Oral Sex (Based on the Average Frequency of Receiving Oral Sex per Month)

Overall (5.20 times)
Heterosexual (5.08 times)
Gay (5.31 times)
Lesbian (8.86 times)
Bisexual (5.69 times)
Men (5.44)
Women (4.85 times)
Single (5.54 times)
In a relationship (5.14 times)

Note: Number of Respondents: 1008 U.S. citizens; 18 years and above

American Men Who Have Received Oral Sex

The following data were revealed in a survey among 975 respondents:

85% of American men indulged in oral sex in their lifetime
60.9% of American men received oral sex
38.4% of American men stated that they had received oral sex a month before January

American Women Who Have Received Oral Sex

84.6% of American women have received oral sex in their lifetime
49.2% of American women received oral sex
31.8% of American women received oral sex in December

American Men Who Have Given Oral Sex To a Female in their Lifetime (by age group)

Men aged 30-39 composed the biggest number of respondents who had given oral sex to a female (88.2%)
Men aged 14-15 are the least in the group of respondents who have given sex to a female in their lifetime (8.3%)
Other stats on various age groups reveal:

16-17 years old (20.2%)
18-19 years old (60.9%)
20-24 years old (70. (%)
25-29 years old (85.6%)
40-49 years old (84.4%)
50-59 years old (77.3%)
60-69 years old (72.5%)
70 years old and above (61.6%)

American Men Who Have Given Oral Sex to a Male in Their Lifetime

On average,13% of American men aged 40-59 stated that they had given oral sex to a male in their lifetime
On average, 9.7% of Americans in the age group 18-24 revealed that they have given oral sex to another male in their lifetime
1.6% of American men comprising the ages of 14-15 stated that they had given oral sex to another man in their lifetime
American men aged 70 years old and above comprised 5.3% of those who stated that they had given oral sex to another male in their lifetime

American Women Who Have Given Oral Sex to a Female in Their Lifetime

American women in the age group of 20-24 and 30-39 got the same percentage as those who had oral sex with a female in their lifetime (both 14%)
12% of American women who stated that they had oral sex with another female are in the age group of 40-49
Other age groups and their percentages are:
– 14-15 years old (5.4%)
– 16-17 years old (9%)
– 18-19 years old (8%)
– 25-29 years old (10%)
– 50-59 years old (7%)
– 60-69 years old (3%)
– 70 years old and older

American Women Who Have Given Oral Sex to a Male in Their Lifetime

Women aged 25-29 comprise the 89%who said that they have given oral sex to a male in their lifetime
American women aged 70 years old and above made up 43% of those who said that they had given oral sex to males in their lifetime
Other age groups showed the following percentage:
14-15 years old (13%)
16-17 years old (29%)
18-19 years old (61%)
20-24 years old (78%)
30-39 years old (80%)
40-49 years old (83%)
50-59 years old (80%)

4 Things You Might Not Know About Oral Sex

Oral sex is linked to throat cancer.
Oral sex is common among teens.
Unprotected sex is common, but has risks.
Oral sex can enhance some adult relations, but can also strain others.

Can You Get STDs From Oral Sex?

Yes. There are many STDs and other infections that can be acquired through oral sex.

You can get STDs in the throat or mouth after giving or receiving oral sex from an infected partner
You can get STDs in more than one area of the body at the same time. For instance, you can have an STI in the genitals and the mouth
Many STDs, such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and intestinal infections that are transmitted through oral sex can spread in the body
You can also acquire some types of STDs in the genital areas after receiving oral sex from a partner with a throat or mouth infection
Anilingus can transmit hepatitis A and B, as well as intestinal parasites like Shigella and E.coli

What is Oral Sex?

Oral sex is one of the most common sex positions among couples, no matter what their ages and genders are. It is also often referred to as cunnilingus or fellatio.

Oral sex involves using the mouth to stimulate the genitals or genital area of a sex partner. Types of oral sex include the penis (fellatio), vagina (cunnilingus), and anus (anilingus).

It is often a part of a couple’s foreplay before intercourse. Some couples use it to warm up and put them into the mood of intercourse.

Fellatio vs Cunnilingus vs Anilingus

Fellatio

This refers to the stimulation of the penis using the lips, teeth, or tongue. This can also involve a licking or sucking motion, as well as the use of the throat or teeth.

Cunnilingus

This is the stimulation of the vagina or clitoris using the mouth. This also usually includes sucking or licking around or outside the vulva.

Anilingus

This refers to the stimulation of the anus with the lips or mouth.

Oral sex can be a fun and pleasurable activity for couples. However, it is also important to consider the possible risks of STDs before doing it. Talk to your partner about how you can have safe and satisfying oral sex together.

Literature review

The Role of Age and Gender in Oral Sex

While oral sex is enjoyed by many, its dynamics can be influenced by age and gender. For instance, younger individuals, especially those exploring their sexuality, might be curious about various toys and aids. For men wanting to enhance their experience, products like blowjob machines or cock rings can be of interest. On the other hand, women might be intrigued by the sensation offered by vibrating dildos or the versatility of double dildos. Regardless of age or gender, it’s essential to understand and respect one’s preferences and boundaries. According to established studies on the matter, we find:

While oral sex is enjoyed by many people, the frequency and enjoyment of it can vary by age and gender.
According to a study by Bespoke Surgical, younger people tend to have oral sex more often than older people, with 76.5% of those aged 18-24 having received oral sex in the past year, compared to 54.2% of those aged 45-54.
Women are more likely to orgasm from oral sex than men, with 51.8% of women having had an orgasm from oral sex the last time they received it, compared to 39.3% of men, according to the same study.
However, men tend to receive oral sex more often than women, with 62.9% of men having received it in the past year, compared to 48.5% of women.

The Connection Between Oral Sex and Relationship Satisfaction

Oral sex can significantly influence relationship satisfaction. Couples often explore various ways to enhance their intimacy. For some, introducing toys like sex dolls or fleshlights can add a new dimension to their experiences. For others, experimenting with aids such as penis vibrators or suction cup dildos can elevate the pleasure. It’s all about finding what works best for the relationship and ensuring both partners are comfortable and satisfied. Based on current literature, here’s what has been discovered about this topic:

Oral sex can be an important aspect of a healthy sexual relationship, and studies suggest that it may be linked to relationship satisfaction.
A study by the Journal of Sex Research found that people who reported giving and receiving oral sex in their relationships also reported higher levels of sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and communication about sex.
Similarly, a study by the Archives of Sexual Behavior found that women who received oral sex from their partners were more likely to report higher levels of sexual satisfaction and emotional intimacy in their relationships.

The Role of Oral Sex in Sexual Health

Oral sex, while pleasurable, comes with its set of health considerations. It’s crucial to be informed about potential risks and ways to ensure safety. For those looking to enhance their experience while maintaining safety, products like penis pumps can be beneficial. Additionally, exploring different types of dildos, from realistic to fantasy dildos, or even options suitable for beginners like best dildos for beginners, can offer varied experiences without compromising on health. Here’s what existing literature has found on this topic:

Oral sex can be a safe and enjoyable sexual activity, but it is important to understand the risks associated with it and take appropriate precautions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), oral sex can transmit sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and syphilis.
Using barriers such as dental dams or condoms can help reduce the risk of STI transmission during oral sex.
It is also important to get regular STI testing and communicate openly with sexual partners about STI status and safer sex practices.