Adolescent and Oral Sex

Public attention has focused on the surprisingly high percentage of high school adolescents, grates 9-12, who are engaging in oral sex. Although the topic is rarely investigated, empirically, data suggest that approximately 33 percent – 59 percent of high school teens and more specifically, 7 percent – 24 percent of adolescent virgin’s report that they have either given or received oral sex. Once thought of as taboo, in today’s society, it is overwhelming the number of teens who are engaging in cunnilingus, fellatio, and analingus with blatant disregard for the

Adolescentsand Oral Sex is it really sex or not?

implications of this type of intimacy or the concern for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many adolescents view it as no big deal. Many younger adults have the misconstrued notion that oral sex isn’t sex at all. However, they are sadly mistaken. The act of oral sex is a more intimate act than intercourse. The mere act is intimate because you are tasting another human being, your face is front and center in another person’s most private areas.

By definition, oral sex is a sexual activity which involves the use of the mouth. It may include the use of the tongue, teeth, and throat to stimulate genitalia. Cunnilingus refers to oral sex performed on a man. Analingus refers to oral stimulation of one’s anus. For the record, oral stimulation of other parts of the body that include kissing or licking is usually not considered oral sex. We will forgo the numerous euphemisms used in today’s society to describe this sexual activity.

Studies indicating the increase and prevalence of oral activity among younger generations concluded that adolescents were more likely to report engagement in oral sex than intercourse. They reported more oral sex partners than intercourse partners and were unlikely to report use of STI protection during oral sex. Additionally, adolescents associate oral sex with specific social benefits within their peer group. These include a high status and popularity among peers. The belief that engagement in oral sex may help maintain or elevate an individual’s level of status among peers may be one factor that influences adolescents’ decisions to engage in this behavior. Perceptions of their best friends’ behavior was significantly associated with their own oral sex behavior. For instance, of the adolescents who reported engagement in oral sex, 56.5 percent reported that their best friend had also engaged in oral sex activity; 82.5 percent reported that their best friend didn’t engage in oral sexual activity, as well. It was noted that the adolescents who reported sexual activity had high levels of reputation based popularity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Currently, over three million American teenagers become infected with one or more STIs each year. Therefore, we want to educate everyone to let you know that sexually transmitted disease (STDs) are a real concern. Chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV), gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis (multiple strains), and other STDs – including HIV – can be transmitted through oral sex. For instance, if the receiving partner has wounds or open sores on their genitals, or if the giving partner has wounds or open sores on or in their mouth, or bleeding gums, this poses an increased risk of STD transmission. Brushing the teeth, flossing, undergoing dental work, or eating crunchy foods relatively soon before or after giving oral sex can also increase the risk of transmission. This is because all of these activities can cause small scratches in the lining of the mouth. These wounds, even when they are microscopic, increase the chances of contracting STDS. Such contact can also lead to more mundane infections from common bacteria and viruses found in, around, and secreted from the genital regions.

Due to disease risks, many medical professionals advise the use of condoms or dental dams when performing or receiving oral sex with a partner. Especially those whose STD status is unknown. A makeshift dental dam can be made out of a condom. The steps to do this are listed: 1. Check the expiration date on the condom; 2. Move the condom to one side of the package; 3. Open the condom with your fingers. Do not use your teeth, scissors, or any other sharp objects; 4. Cut off the tip of the condom; 5. Stick scissors through the middle and cut; 6. Unroll and place over the vagina or anus. If you are using a flavored condom, be sure to place the flavored side facing out. Make sure he lubricated side is facing your partner

Using a real dental dam is preferable. They are larger and the makeshift version may be accidentally poked during the cutting procedure. Plastic wrap may also be used as a barrier during oral sex. Keep in mind, many may find that the thickness of the plastic dulls sensation, Certain kinds of plastic wrap are manufactured with tiny holes to allow venting during microwaving. This wouldn’t be a good type to use because they may allow transmission of pathogens.

You also need to consider the disposal of condoms and dental dams. Experts recommend they be disposed of in a trash receptacle; not by flushing them down the toilet. Flushing them may clog plumbing or cause other problems. Although biodegradable, latex condoms and dental dams can ad will damage the environment when disposed of improperly. Those made of polyurethane do not break down at all. In addition, the plastic and foil wrappers which are used to package condoms and dental dams are not biodegradable. However, the benefits of condoms and dental dams offer are widely considered to offset their small landfill mass.

Please note we are in no way condoning nor criticizing those who participate in this activity. We are merely trying to educate individuals so that they can be informed, make good decisions, and understand the implications of their acts.

Reference: Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Vol. 28, No. 4, 2003, pp. 243-249 © 2003 Society of Pediatric Psychology