The act of using the mouth, lips and tongue to sexually stimulate a vulva. Attention often centres on the clitoris, though the rest of the vulva and the surrounding areas are usually involved as well. It is one of the most common forms of oral sex and can be a main event or part of wider play.
The word is Latin, built from cunnus (vulva) and lingere (to lick). In classical usage it actually named the person giving rather than the act.
What works varies a great deal between people. Sensitivity differs from body to body, and the clitoris extends well beyond the small part visible on the outside, so people tend to find good cunnilingus has more to do with attentiveness and communication than with any particular trick. Some receivers reach orgasm this way and others rarely or never do while still enjoying it; treating orgasm as the only goal, or expecting a big reaction, can put unwelcome pressure on the receiver. Many people are also very sensitive straight after orgasm and want things to slow down or stop. It is often combined with touching, toys, kissing or other stimulation, and many givers find their own enthusiasm is a large part of the experience.
Safety & Consent
Like other oral sex, it should only happen when both people want it, with likes, sensitive areas and ways of giving feedback talked about beforehand. Spoken check-ins help, since body language alone is easy to misread, and the receiver’s guidance should always take priority. Some people use barriers such as dental dams to reduce the risk of STI transmission. A short check-in afterwards helps both partners feel comfortable and cared for.
