How do you go down on a person with a vulva? What is cunnilingus? From a clit flick to a long labia lick, cunnilingus techniques come in all different shapes and sizes. Whether you are looking to improve your technique, give some pointed feedback to your partner or are considering going down on a vagina for the first time, we’ve got a mouthful of tips and tricks to inform your next adventure down under. 

Venturing into the world of vaginal oral sex can be exciting and also intimidating. Even if you have had someone go down on you before, that doesn’t necessarily translate to having the skills to go down on another person. But rest assured, as you practice more, even mediocre cunnilingus by an enthusiastic, curious and passionate partner will be good. And you can always improve. The tongue is a muscle and just like any other physical activity, building up your strength and stamina, partnered with a few tried and true techniques will have you and your partners moaning in no time. 

Tip #1: Lay the Foundation 
Ask for consent and discuss STIs and protection with your partner. If you are worried about STIs, using a dental dam will not ruin the mood and is easy to put on. Plus, you can always add a few pumps of Apres Delight between your partner’s genitals and the dental dam for enhanced sensation.

Tip #2: Get to know the Vulva
The vulva is a fairly complex creature, but once you get the lay of the land, it is pretty easy to navigate. The vulva is the entire surface that you see in between you or your partner's legs. The inner and outer lips of the vulva are called the labia. The outer lips are fleshy while the inner lips are often thinner. Then you have the beacon of the vulva - the clitoris. The clitoris is an expansive network of nerve endings, but for the purpose of this article, when we refer to the clitoris, we are referencing the glans clitoris, the exposed little nub at the top of the vaginal opening. The vagina is the innermost area of your vulva, where penetration occurs. 

Tip #3: Tease, tease, tease. Find the erogenous zones.
Our bodies have a number of erogenous zones. Going down on someone can include getting to know all of these areas. Plus, who doesn’t love a little tease? If you are nervous about diving in face first, start slowly. Practice your tongue techniques on your partner’s ears, move down to their neck, nipples and trace your way down to their vagina. 

Tip #4: Zero In
Once you’ve landed below the belly button, start by stimulating the areas around the vulva – between the thighs or massaging your partner’s pubic mound. As you zero in on the clit, start by making large circles with your tongue. This will give both you and your partner an idea of the areas that feel good. While clit stimulation is not the only way to orgasm in oral sex, it is a super effective way for many humans. As you explore the area, keep the clitoris as the primary focus. Some people don’t like direct clit contact, so keep an open dialogue with your partner in the event that they would like you in another area. 

Tip #5: Take it Slow
We’ve got nowhere else to be, right? Take your time. And just like a clean backcountry skin to ski transition, go slow to go fast. We’re not trying to win any races down there, we’re trying to build an orgasm that will live in our partner’s yank bank for years to come. 

Tip #6: Stay Consistent
As you use your mouth to slowly (keyword: slowly) zero in on your partner’s clit, play around with a few different tongue motions. Our favorites are side to side, up and down, circles and focused pulsation. You can alternate between using a broad flat tongue and a more pointed tongue. Trace the vulva with your tongue, zeroing in on the clit and spending some time in the areas your partner seems to enjoy the most. And play around with a few different tongue techniques – this is supposed to be fun!

Tip #7: Tired Tongue? Mix it Up!
If your tongue gets tired (which is totally normal) change your focus. Maybe you suck on the clit or flick it with your tongue. You can also lick the labia from the base of the vulva to the clit. A personal favorite of ours is sucking on the labia or lips of the vagina. Another great go-to is the tease. Tease, tease, tease. But when you take a break, remember to never abandon the clit for too long. Keep that momentum going!

Tip #8: Use your hands
You can also get your hands involved. Pressing a thumb inside and along the bottom of the vaginal opening can be a nice addition of penetration. From here it is also easy to move the thumb up to stimulate the clitoris while you give your mouth a break. Just because you are using your mouth does not mean that your fingering skills need to go out the window. Insert a finger or two into your partner's vagina and making a “come here” gesture can simultaneously get the G-spot. You can also use your free hand to pull apart the labia, massage your partner’s thighs, nipples or anus, or grab onto some flesh that will turn both of you on. And if you and your partner are both game, you can always bring toys and your Aprés Delight into the mix.

Tip #9: Coming? Don’t Stop.
Most importantly, we know how exciting it can be to have someone orgasm in your mouth, but as they get closer, stay consistent and don’t stop. There is nothing worse than an orgasm cut short. As your partner climaxes, pleasurable contractions will start in the pelvic area and spread out to the rest of their body. You can use a wide, flat surface, ie. your tongue, a toy or the palm of your hand and pulse gently along the length of the vulva and the head of their clitoris. And don’t worry, you’ll know when they’ve finished. 

Tip #10: Have A Positive Attitude
While mastering the technique is a necessary part of the battle, being openly enthusiastic about going down on your partner can take any sexual encounter from “meh” to AMAZING. There is no greater turn on then your partner enjoying your body and the experience. So even if you are nervous, let your partner know that you are excited to have the honor of being between their legs. 

Tip #11: Don’t Be Afraid to Shift Gears
If this just isn’t working for you, you can always call it. Toys, penetration, 69ing or switching roles. You always have permission to stop what you are doing and switch gears or call it all together. 

Tip #12: Do your homework
If you are looking to improve your skills, ask for feedback from your partner. Then whenever you have a spare moment, open your mouth and move your tongue up, down, side to side and in a circle. Riding the bus home from the mountain or crushing up a skin track – these are optimal times to practice. Tongue stamina is key to peak cunnilingus performance. 

The main takeaways? Ask for consent, do your due diligence, build the tension, zero in on the clit, take it slow, stay consistent, don’t be afraid to mix it up and/or use your hands, don’t stop when they are climaxing, let them know how badly you want them and maintain an open dialogue. You’ve got this. Go forth and eat pussy!