Make sure that it’s part of your safe-sex routine. If you’re engaging a new partner, communicate openly and candidly. Be prepared to discuss your current sex partners, sexual history, risky behaviors, STD status, recent activities, and your approach to protection. Be aware that some STDs are asymptomatic and may flourish undetected; so if you find yourself caught up in the heat of the moment, think before engaging in unprotected cunnilingus. Regardless of the reward, even the smallest act is not without risk. If you’re uncertain or nervous, don’t take the risk. It’s not worth it, and if you don’t want to avoid oral sex altogether, then at least take precautions through the use of barriers such as dental dams (a thin strip of latex that is placed over the vulva as you apply cunnilingus), latex gloves, or finger cots (individual plastic sheaths that workers in restaurants use to protect themselves from cuts). All of these safe-sex accessories can typically be found in drugstores, and can also be ordered from specialty stores such as Good Vibrations or the Blowfish catalog.
