Can You Hurt Yourself Deep Throating?

Ever since the infamous porn smash "Deep Throat" hit theaters in 1972, in pop culture and bedrooms, people have been fascinated by the oral sexual maneuver it popularized with its title. But for those among us who are not adult film actors, actually incorporating deep throating into our sexual routine can get complicated, and quickly.

But you might wonder, can you actually hurt yourself by deep throating? As in, cause physical damage? The short answer is: maybe a little, but for the most part, not seriously.

Deep throating is 'generally safe'

Deep throating, or deep-penetrating fellatio, is both a kink prevalent on the likes of Pornhub and a technique people really use. It may offer an extra level of satisfaction to the man on the receiving end.

Yet even in the most pleasant of circumstances, it's usually not totally comfortable for the partner providing the deep throating. In some cases, it can be quite painful.

"Deep throating is generally safe," said Rachel Needle, Psy.D., a psychologist in Florida and the co-director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. "It is important that you know your own body and comfort level when it comes to deep throating as you can injure your throat, gag and vomit."

Some tips can also help keep you safe if you're performing the deep-throat move and ensure everyone's having fun.

Deep throat reality vs. fantasy

"If someone's only source of information was porn, they might assume that deep throating was common and also something everyone very much enjoys providing," said Jennifer Valli, Ph.D., a Memphis sex therapist who is certified by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

But many partners don't want to provide oral sex of any kind, she noted. Deep throating or irrumatio (a more forceful act in which a person thrusts their penis into someone's mouth) may be unrealistic and unreasonable altogether, depending on your situation. Your partner may not fall into the population that finds deep throating desirable.

"I hear about [deep throating] more from my younger clients, my gay male clients, clients who watch adult films where this is portrayed—and I am not stating a cause/effect relationship—and those in BDSM," said Eric Garrison, M.A.Ed., M.Sc,, a clinical and forensic sexologist based in Virginia.

Go slow

But let's say you're curious about this much-talked-about move and want to give it a try. Maybe a man you're with is turned on by the idea, and you'd like to execute it for his benefit. Or perhaps you're the one turned on by the possibility. Or you both think it might be a fun addition to the sexual repertoire.

"Most people just want to learn how to do it properly and/or are trying to emulate experienced porn stars," said Marla Renee Stewart, M.A., a sex educator and coach based in Georgia.

Changing things up is OK. But going slowly and gently, at first, is a good rule of thumb.

"I often recommend that a couple who wants to try deep throating start with fellatio," Garrison suggested, adding that they can build up to the more vigorous irrumatio, involving penetration of a stationary mouth, if that is of interest.

Make adjustments with an understanding partner to find what works. And if you need to, just tell the person with a penis to keep their hands off your head while you go down on them.

Understand the gag reflex

Warning systems are built into your body and brain. The gag reflex is a normal response that shouldn't be ignored, though some people attempt to eliminate or at least subdue the reflex. Fellatio can also activate underlying issues with the jaw or throat, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

"Maintain the control so you can change the depth or stop if you need to," Needle said. "You can also use your hand to increase stimulation and make it easier to control if it gets uncomfortable. If you are going to deep-throat a penis, you will need to practice opening up your throat. That also helps when swallowing. To get more comfortable with deep throating, play around with angles and positions."

When you're in control of the oral sex you're providing, you're better off.

"There is less likelihood of injury to occur, though it can still happen," Garrison said. "People often get caught up in the throes of passion and move away from their comfort zone."

Communicate with your partner

There are extreme examples of injury from deep throating. Hemorrhagic lesions, or bleeding injuries, on the throat from oral sex have been documented in medical case reports. These often heal quickly. It's important to see a medical professional if symptoms are severe, last longer than a couple of days or get worse.

Before it gets to that point, though, it's enormously beneficial to discuss sexual interests and preferences with your partner ahead of time. Get on the same page. Is deep throating just not working out for you, either as the giver or the receiver? No problem.

"The keys to a good blowjob, regardless of how deep, are warmth, moisture and pressure on the penis, and also both parties doing their part to make eye contact, emote [or] make noise, and be enthusiastic, what I call the three E's," said Jamye Waxman, M.A., M.Ed., a marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles.

Just because you can deep-throat a penis safely doesn't mean it's the right move for everyone. You may find successful results focusing on one area of the shaft, rather than all of it.

"While deep throating can be arousing for many, remember that the tip is one of the most sensitive parts of the penis," Needle said. "So if you are not comfortable deep throating, you don't have to in order to give mind-blowing head."

The bottom line on deep throating

Deep throating isn't likely to cause an injury, but this aggressive blowjob may be uncomfortable for some people. Consider your gag reflex and keep the lines of communication open with your partner, whether you're the giver or the receiver. If something is uncomfortable or painful, then stop.

If you have questions, or experience discomfort or pain after deep throating, contact a medical professional.

And if you need a new therapist or doctor, try Giddy Telehealth. The easy-to-use online portal connects you to hundreds of healthcare professionals in a full spectrum of specialties. Many provide same-day appointments, so you can better maintain your health.