Cock gagging is a form of fellatio where the penis of the person receiving the blow job is thrust deep into the giver’s mouth and throat. The force and depth of penetration intend to make the giver gag, choke (commonly called cock choke), or even vomit. The receiving partner may hold the giver’s head to ensure they take the penis deep into their mouth and throat.
Cock gagging can take place between couples of any sexuality. While the giving partner is usually someone with a penis, people of any sex may practice cock gagging by wearing a strap-on. Cock gagging is sometimes called simply gagging or a gag job.
Cock gagging vs deep throating
Cock gagging is related to deepthroating, as both forms of fellatio involve thrusting the penis deep inside a partner’s mouth. However, cock gagging is typically seen as a more intense version of deep-throating.
Gagging and vomiting may occur during deep throating, but this is not the aim of this type of fellatio. However, cock gagging intends to make the giving partner gag on a cock, as a minimum. People who enjoy deep throating may spend time training their gag reflex so they can take a penis deep into their mouth and throat without gagging. This is unnecessary for cock gagging, as gagging is the desired result.
During deep throating, the person giving the blow job is usually in control of giving pleasure to their partner. During cock gagging the power dynamic shifts. The person who gives the blow job is in a more vulnerable position as their partner dictates the depth and speed of penetration.
Cock gagging in pornography
Cock gagging is common in pornography. A 2015 study found 88 percent of the most popular porn features scenes showing physical aggression, including slapping, choking, and cock gagging. While it’s difficult to determine what percentage of these scenes involved gagging specifically, there’s a common consensus that cock gagging in porn is mainstream.
Lilithfoxx, an AASECT-certified sexuality educator and board-certified sexologist, said she believes that “Pornography plays a significant role in the popularity of cock gagging by normalizing and glamorizing it as a common sexual act. It often portrays gagging as a standard part of oral sex, which can influence viewers’ perceptions and expectations. Repeated exposure to gagging in porn can make it seem like a normative behavior, encouraging individuals to incorporate it into their own sexual repertoire. It’s important to note that pornography often doesn’t show the communication, consent, and safety measures involved in such acts, which can lead to misconceptions about its execution and enjoyment.”
Why people like cock gagging
Both giving and receiving partners may enjoy cock gagging for different reasons. Givers and receivers may like cock gagging as the practice has become normalized through its representation in pornography. Performing sex acts seen in porn can be thrilling for people because it turns their fantasies into reality.
Cock gagging for receiving partners
For receiving partners, triggering their partner’s gag reflex can be a real ego boost. They may assume their partner is gagging because they’re struggling to take such a large penis.
Cock gagging also puts the receiving partner in a position of greater power than other forms of fellatio, so it can appeal to people with dominant tendencies. In a traditional blow job, the giving partner sets the pace and pressure. During cock gagging, the person who penetrates their partner’s mouth takes control.
“We live in a world where men are obsessed with their own dicks, right? So to see it worshipped is hot,” said Zachary Zane, a sex and relationships expert at Fun Factory who enjoys cock gagging as both the giver and receiver. “To see someone struggle to take all of it is hot. To see it causing someone tears or discomfort is hot (in a sexy, sadist way).”
The powerful position that cock gagging places the receiver makes it a popular activity in BDSM.
Emme Witt-Eden, a former dominatrix who found male submissives enjoyed her using a strap-on for cock gagging, noted “It can make the person whose cock is being gagged on feel powerful, even superior. This is a turn-on during D/s play because that is kind of the point of being the dom: feeling like you're controlling and ‘lording’ over the sub. Cock gagging gives that feeling because you're controlling your sub by impaling their mouth on your cock, and even cutting off their air supply (safely). It can also be uncomfortable for the person accepting the cock gagging, so this is also a form of D/s play because part of the excitement is making the submissive suffer.”
The sensation of a deep blow job, which cock gagging provides, can also be very pleasurable due to the extra depth. As the giving partner takes the penis deep in their mouth, they stimulate more nerve endings than they would giving a standard blow job.
As Zane notes, “Your entire penis is being stimulated, not just your head or shaft.”
When the giving partner gags, they also produce more saliva, which can make the bow job more pleasurable.
Cock gagging for giving partners
Cock gagging can be more polarizing among giving partners. Some people don’t like the feeling of gagging or wanting to vomit that can occur during cock gagging. However, others can enjoy the feeling of being dominated and even degraded through this activity.
Zane said “Psychologically you feel really ‘slutty.’ When I’m gagging on cock, I feel like such a ‘whore’ and in a hot way.”
The uncomfortable sensations that come with cock gagging can also feel pleasurable for giving partners, as they know they are pushing their body’s limits.
To that end, Zane also explained that “Cock-gagging can be a form of breath play. If you’re someone who likes to get choked during sex, cock-gagging may be something that you’re interested in.”
Cock gagging consent and safety
During cock gagging, it can seem like the receiving partner is forcing their penis into their partner’s mouth. However, even during forced gagging on the cock, consent is crucial.
“Both parties must give enthusiastic consent and understand the nuances of consent, which means consent can be revoked at any time for any reason, and that needs to be honored,” explained Dr. Michael Grey, a kink-affirming marriage and family therapist. “It is also important that there is a safe word or signal that indicates that the person is okay, and the scene should be discussed before someone shoves anything in anyone’s mouth. Checking in is important to reduce negative or unforeseen circumstances, and aftercare must be discussed and utilized.”
Cock gagging and STIs
As with any form of oral sex, cock gagging can spread infections including genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. There is an increased risk if the giving partner has ulcers or cuts in their mouth, as these provide an easy entry point for viruses and bacteria. Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk.
Other Safety Risks
The intense thrusting associated with cock gagging can bruise the throat and make it raw. There is also a small risk the penis could rupture the airways. If the giving partner finds breathing difficult after cock gagging, they should seek medical attention.
Using cock gagging as a form of breath play carries increased risks. People interested in this practice should only try cock gagging with breath play with partners they know well and trust. The receiving partner should regularly check in with the giver and monitor them carefully to keep them safe.
