The 'cheek push' — a technique common in porn where the head of the penis is pressed against the inner cheek of the mouth, creating a visible bulge from the outside — has been dismissed by some as performative rather than pleasurable. Men, however, say it 'offers a whole new sensation'.
The topic gained attention after one woman took to Reddit to ask whether the move was actually enjoyable for men. 'In a lot of the videos I watch during a BJ scene, the guy or woman will push the penis into the cheek and rub it there rather than get deeper,' she wrote. 'Is this a common thing in actual sex that would feel better than the typical manoeuvres?'
What men say about the technique
Men responded enthusiastically and said they were open to partners trying it. 'Once or twice throughout is a great way to spice it up,' wrote one. 'It feels better than a normal blow job,' added another. Others described it as 'hot' and a 'great visual', while one said it added a 'new sensation'. Another said he liked it because 'variety was the spice of life'.
Therapist explains the physical appeal
Psychosexual therapist Becky Crepsley-Fox told Metro the reaction makes sense. 'Physically, pushing the penis into the cheek can add sensation,' she said. 'Instead of just the tongue touching one part of it, more of the surface, and more nerve endings, are being stimulated. Some people also find it feels closer to penetrative sex, because the inside of the cheek is soft, wet tissue not unlike the vaginal wall.'
The visual element
Crepsley-Fox said a large part of the appeal is how the move looks. 'This is a hugely popular visual in porn,' she explained. 'Many men watching porn imagine themselves as the person in the scene, so seeing the penis inside the mouth makes it easier to put themselves in that person's body.'
She added: 'Visually, it leaves no doubt that the penis is in a partner's mouth. The bulge in the cheek can also make the penis look bigger, and being able to actually see it adds to the eroticism.'
Crepsley-Fox said her male clients are very visual during sex, and noted that a study in the journal Nature Neuroscience determined men are generally more interested in and responsive to sexually arousing visual stimuli than women. 'It's believed that, historically, men evolved to respond to visual cues so they could assess who might be the best partner to try to get pregnant, based on markers of youth and health,' she said.
She added that porn shots are designed to make the action visible, so it may feel more 'awkward' during real oral sex. 'Bulging cheeks, eye contact during oral, and the "money shot" all serve the same purpose,' she said. 'They show the viewer clear proof of what's happening and help them imagine it's them.'
Is a performative move a problem?
Crepsley-Fox said 'a bit of performance in sex is fine'. 'As long as you're both enjoying it,' she explained. 'It's important to do the things that turn you on, and if a cheeky penis-in-cheek moment does that for you, go for it. You don't want sex to become one long performance, but letting little bits creep in can be fun.'
For anyone wanting to try it, she advised: 'Just go slowly and check in with your partner. Teeth can be an issue at that angle, and everyone's gag reflex is different. It should feel fun and playful for both of you, not like recreating a scene.'
