Question: My boyfriend is uncircumcised and I don’t know how to perform oral sex on him. Do you have any advice on how to treat an uncircumcised penis compared to a circumcised one? I’m worried I’m doing something wrong!

-Feeling Pathetic

Dear Feeling Pathetic,

I hope I can help you to feel more confident and not the least bit pathetic.

For the most part, there really isn’t any need to do anything drastically different when performing oral sex on a man who is uncircumcised. The only difference here is that he has a little more skin attached to his penis than circumcised guys, so the head of his penis will likely be more sensitive since it’s accustomed to being covered up much of the time. Usually, but not always, when an “uncut” man’s penis becomes erect, it tends to emerge from most of the foreskin anyway, so it will really not look much different than a “cut” penis by that point.

Many uncircumcised men swear that sexual activity is much more pleasurable for them (and their partners) due to their increased sensitivity and the added friction of having foreskin. You can even use his foreskin to your (and his) advantage by using it to stroke the head of his penis during oral or hand stimulation, which is typically how an uncut man masturbates.

Always remember to use a condom (yes, even during oral sex) because “uncut” guys have a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV and HPV due to the inside of the foreskin being a nice, warm, moist place for bacteria to live; which is why the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend male circumcision. Don’t get the wrong idea though; uncircumcised penises are not dirty or unclean as long as he practices good hygiene, cleans under his foreskin on a regular basis with soap and water and always uses a condom.

All men are unique and enjoy different types of stimulation, circumcised or not. So, the best advice I can give you is to communicate your concern with him and I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to let you know what makes him feel good. Then you can let him know what you like and he can reciprocate. Have fun and be safe.

Editors Note: Lyndsay Mercier is a senior Psychology major. She is also the president of Vox: Voices for Planned Parenthood, a trained sexual education peer educator and a teaching assistant for Psychology of Sex Behaviors. Lyndsay is not a medical doctor and her advice should never replace the advice of a doctor. Email her your sexual health related questions at: [email protected].