Psychologists have delved deep into the art of cunnilingus to decipher its true evolutionary purpose.

The authors of a recent submission to the Evolutionary Psychology journal claim cunnilingus satisfies a variety of natural urges.

Their studies sought to explore the hypothesis that "when men ejaculate during penile-vaginal intercourse during which their partner experiences a cunnilingus-assisted orgasm, ejaculation is likely to occur during the period in which female orgasm functions to retain sperm". That is, women are more likely to retain sperm released after a cunnilingus-assisted orgasm, rewarding their partners with an increased chance of pregnancy.

The team found this not to be the case; instead they say cunnilingus is likely performed to increase relationship satisfaction and to encourage subsequent copulations.

The studies have also suggested men may be performing the behaviour in order to ward their partners from infidelity. In the clinical language of the report “those at greater risk of sperm competition are more likely to perform cunnilingus until their partner achieves orgasm.”

This is not the first study to realise sexual pleasure has far-reaching biological benefits. It appears the authors of this study wish to ensure that whatever the benefit, cunnilingus-assisted orgasm should not be hard to come by.

Results of the research have been posted online.