I cannot stand the taste of semen. Is there a way for me to overcome my gag instinct?

Your gag reflex is a normal reaction. No one should ever feel pressured or coerced in lovemaking and your husband should respect your wishes.

Q: My husband really likes oral sex, but I cannot stand the taste of semen. Is there a way to make it taste better? Or is there a way for me to overcome my gag instinct?

Performing oral sex (also known as fellatio) does not means that you have to swallow the semen if you do not wish to, and your husband should respect your wishes. No one should ever feel pressured or coerced in lovemaking. You can always spit it out discreetly into a tissue or excuse yourself and wash out your mouth in the toilet.

Your gag reflex is a normal reaction that prevents the passage of anything down the throat, except during normal swallowing.

You can either hold your breath, breathing again when you come up for air, or breathe through your nose.

This Q&A was answered by Clinical Sexologist Dr Martha Lee. Dr Lee is the founder of Eros Coaching, a sexuality and intimacy coaching company which conducts sexuality coaching, counselling, as well as sexual education workshops. For more information, visit www.eroscoaching.com.

Have a health or medical question? Send it to a1health@sph.com.sg.