By LINDSEY DYE
Largely considered less risky than intercourse, approximately 20 percent of teens have admitted to having oral sex versus 14 percent who have had intercourse, according to SexEdLibrary.com.
Oral sex, most commonly known as, “blow jobs” has become popular among teens over the past two decades. One reason is the belief that it is safer because one cannot get pregnant. However, a participant still has a chance of contracting an incurable sexually-transmitted disease.
It is critical for students to understand that oral sex does not equal safe sex.
“I think that [oral sex] is serious even though it isn’t actual intercourse; you are still participating in sexual activity which, even though you can’t get pregnant, is still risky,” a freshman female said.
According to Dictionary.com, oral sex is sexual contact between the mouth and genitals or anus. Sex is sexual union between humans involving general contact and penetration of the vagina by the penis. These definitions suggest that oral sex is not considered sexual intercourse due to the lack of penetration.
In a 2003 survey, 38 percent of female participants and 54 percent of male participants ages 15-17 “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that oral sex is not as big of a deal as sexual intercourse.
“In a way, I do [think that oral sex is sex], and in a way, I don’t. It’s not [sex] because it’s not two people being together but it is because it’s still sexual activity,” a sophomore female said.
As with traditional sex, there are emotional factors involved, as well. A 2005 study recommended that girls who are sexually active be screened for depression. New scientific studies also suggest that if a woman has multiple sexual partners, this will lower her levels of oxytocin which in turn will damage her ability to bond with others.
“I believe that there are emotional factors to having sex or performing oral sex. If you lose [your virginity] to someone, you can get attached more,” a sophomore female said.
A big debate over whether or not oral sex is the same as sex and whether one should no longer be considered a virgin after performing or receiving oral sex ensues.
“I don’t think [that oral sex is sex]; other people in my profession think it is. I don’t because there is no penetration. However, it’s still something personal that should happen between you and someone you trust,” Dr. Fahmat Ahmed, OBGYN, said. “I don’t want to think so many people take oral sex so lightly. Oral sex is a big deal. You can get so many STDs from it.”
Just because one does not have to worry about the risk of pregnancy does not mean that there are no risks associated with oral sex. Teens believe oral sex is the safe alternative to intercourse, when it comes to pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The statistics prove otherwise. Millions of teenagers become infected with STDs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and herpes each year and oral sex is a route by which teens are becoming infected. There has also been a throat and mouth cancer rise due to unprotected oral sex.
According to WebMD, increasing rates of HPV infection, spread through oral sex, are driving the rapid rise in orophraryngeal cancers, which include tumors of the throat, tonsils and base of the tongue. Studies of orophraryngeal tumor tissue show that only around 20 percent were HPV positive 20 years ago. Today it is estimated that 60 percent of patients are affected with the virus.
“I don’t think that oral sex is sex because you cannot get pregnant from it,” a senior male said.
When STDs transfer during oral sex, it is most commonly through an open sore in the mouth or on the genitals. Diseases may also be passed through menstrual blood or sperm. Although this is less common, there are documented cases.
“I think that you should be tested for STDs once each month to have a better idea of who could’ve given you the STD,” a junior male said.
The two most commonly contracted STDs through oral sex are herpes and genital warts, both of which have no cure. Herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. Signs are blisters on or around the genitals or rectum. Blisters start to break, leaving sores. Genital warts are warts that appear in clusters on or around the genitals or anus. Although both STD’s have no cure, there are medications to control outbreaks.
According to SexEdLibrary.com, studies have shown that people like and respect each other less after having unprotected oral sex.
“Oral sex is dirtier [than sexual intercourse]. You have to be a bigger freak to go around giving everyone [oral stimulation]. It’s not even enjoyable for girls to do. That is way more slutty,” a junior male said.
In a recent survey conducted by SexEdLibrary.com, a significantly greater proportion of participants intended to have oral sex (32 percent) in the next six months than intended to have vaginal sex (26 percent).
“Teens are just growing into their bodies and are curious. They also might find it as a way of rebelling,” Dr. Ahmed said.
The only way to 100 percent prevent contracting an STD or dealing with the emotional side effects is to not perform or receive oral sex. diseases.