What Is 'Deep Throating' and Is It Risky?

"Deep throating" isn't for everybody. It requires technique and lack of fear when it comes to gagging during an aggressive blowjob. The term "deep throat" was first popularized in the early 1970s after the release of the controversial porn movie bearing the same name and starring adult film actress Linda Lovelace.

Old-school porn had a certain charm. The plot of the movie follows a disgruntled Linda, who cannot achieve orgasm in bed. Unsatisfied with the state of her sex life, Linda makes a trip to the doctor, where it is revealed that her clitoris is actually located deep inside her throat. The rest I will leave to your imagination.

Contrary to the movie, the clitoris is not actually located in the throat, in case anyone's wondering. And while many women may enjoy giving their partner some loving deep-throat action once in a while, the lion's share of the pleasure is usually enjoyed by the recipient. Deep throating is a pretty selfless act from the giver's perspective because it isn't easy to perform and usually requires patience and practice.

Unlike a regular blowjob, where the penis is confined to the mouth, performing deep-throat oral sex takes it a step further and explores new frontiers. When a penis travels farther inward, going past the mouth and into throat territory, the body is simply not as welcoming.

Now that we know what deep throating is, is it risky?

"There is no scientific research available that demonstrates an increased risk of deep throating over blowjobs," said Rachel Wright, L.M.F.T., a relationship, sex and mental health therapist in New York. "Some argue that the membranes in the back of the throat are thinner, but if fluids are getting in your mouth and you're swallowing them, that's the same risk anyway. The risks are more about momentary discomfort, gagging or vomiting."

How to safely give or receive your first deep-throat experience

If you plan on giving or receiving a deep-throat blowjob, remember to get tested and practice safer sex, especially if you're not in a long-term and mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has no oral sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is reported that the risk of HIV transmission is much lower during oral sex compared with vaginal or anal sex, but there are other risks involved.

If you deep-throat a partner infected with chlamydia or vice versa, the infection could transfer to the throat. The same applies to gonorrhea, which could spread farther across the body and is much harder to treat. Syphilis and HIV can also spread if an infected penis is deep-throated, but as mentioned earlier, the risk is low. Some studies suggest infections of the mouth and throat from certain types of HPV can increase the risk of neck cancer. Therefore, it's very important to get tested and practice safer oral sex, especially in nonmonogamous or new relationships.

Communication is essential before and during deep throating. Whether you're the giver or receiver, it's best to communicate your wants and boundaries, as well as establish verbal and nonverbal cues to figure out when to stop, when to keep going, when to change angles or positions during the act, and so on.

"If you're on the receiving end, communicate beforehand about how much to push, literally, if the person wants you to help them deep throat by thrusting, pushing their head into you, holding your penis for them at a good angle, etcetera," Wright explained. "Also, discuss any verbal or nonverbal communication that says, 'Stop, I'm done.' We like to rely on verbal communication, but when a mouth is full of a penis, it can be hard to talk clearly.

"Also, try to agree where the ejaculator will ejaculate before you're wrapped up in it," she added. "The last thing you want is to orgasm into the back of someone's throat and have them gag when they wanted you to finish on their chest, as an example."

Conquering your gag reflex is also beneficial 

If you're planning on giving someone a deep-throat blowjob, you will have to conquer your gag reflex as well. The back of your throat, known as the pharynx, wasn't designed to have a penis rammed into it.

A gag reflex is your body's way of protecting you from choking or swallowing harmful substances. Desensitizing this bodily response so it is more accommodating to a penis usually takes a little time and practice.

If you have a particularly sensitive gag reflex, you can practice with a toothbrush by gently brushing it farther down your tongue until you find a spot where you feel you might gag; then, gently brush for 10 seconds. When you feel like gagging, stop and try to resist. Repeating this action helps desensitize the feeling and prepare you for the real deal.

The secret to conquering your gag reflex during a deep-throat act is to calm your mind, relax your throat and breathe in through your nose. Some people do not have a natural gag reflex, but you need to find out how sensitive you are in order to build a level of awareness before taking it to the extreme and exploring new places. It goes without saying that accidentally vomiting on a partner isn't exactly on anyone's agenda (unless you're into that sort of thing).

All in all, deep throating is a learned skill, and it might take a few attempts before your body and gag reflex are accustomed to the experience. Successful deep throating also requires communication from both parties involved, so be proactive and talk it out regardless of whether you're the giver or receiver. However, if you decide this type of oral sex isn't for you and you'd rather stick to normal blowjobs, that's completely fine, too.