STD Risks of Oral Sex: Teens, Especially Young Men Unaware of Its Dangers, Study Says

Couples John and Sara, both 16 years old, are so in love and have been dating for three months. They wanted to have sex but were afraid they might get pregnant or contract sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The couple tried oral sex instead and did not wear a condom when doing the "act." When Sara visited her doctor for an annual check-up, she denied when asked if she had had sex yet, as she does not view oral sex as a sexual activity.

John and Sara's story is familiar among many American teens and young adults. A new survey published in the January issue of Annals of Family Medicine revealed that teens and young adults, especially young men, tend to underestimate the risks of sexually transmitted infections from unprotected oral sex.

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Perceptions on oral sex

A text-based poll involving more than 900 US teens and young adults at the age of 19 asked to rate how risky oral sex is on a scale of one to five, with one being the least risky. The poll revealed that 60% of participants rated unprotected oral sex at 1, 2, or 3. 

Those who rated unprotected oral sex a low risk did it because of its lack of pregnancy risk. The respondents also think it has a lower risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infection than unprotected vaginal sex.

Common among adolescents

As early as 2018, an article in the Journal of Adolescent Health indicated that oral sex is a prevalent sexual activity among adolescents as most of them were found to have engaged in it.

In more than 7,000 15-24-year-olds in 2011-2015, the data revealed that 58.6% of adolescent females had performed oral sex, while 60.4% received the sexual act. For males, 55.4% had performed oral sex, and 64.6% disclosed that they received it.

The study also revealed that adolescents who engage in oral sex are less likely to have a bad reputation. The youth also thinks that it will unlikely get them into trouble or make them feel bad or guilty about themselves.

The risks of oral sex

Although young adults who have engaged in oral sex instead of vaginal sex have avoided the risks of pregnancy, the activity is not risk-free. Doctors warn that oral sex can also transmit sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. Chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HIV, and human papillomavirus can lead to cancers of the cervix, head, and neck.

According to Dr. Tammy Chang, an associate professor of family medicine at Michigan Medicine-University of Michigan, the youth should be concerned about sexually transmitted infections and cancer risks.

Unfortunately, many youths do not understand the risks associated with oral sex. They also rarely seek advice or protection on the matter. In the study, only half of the respondents believe that their generation needs education on the risks of oral sex and how to manage it. Health experts said that the dangers of oral sex might be managed using barrier protection such as dental dams and condoms.

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