Is Oral Sex "Real Sex?"

A recent study published in the June issue of Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health showed that teens tend to believe oral-vaginal contact is not "real sex." Most of the college students in the study agreed that penil-vaginal and penil-anal contact are forms of sex (98 and 78 percent respectively); however only 1 in 5 felt that oral-genital contact meant "having sex." This proportion has dropped by nearly half in less than two decades!

So what does this change mean? The noticeable shift in youth views of sexual relations leaves researchers concerned that teens won't use the necessary protection when engaging in oral sex. Unprotected contact of this kind can lead to increased cases of STDs as well as other dangerous sexual health issues. It is important that current sex ed programs focus on the risks of unprotected oral sex and the precautions that can be taken to avoid them. Teens deserve to be armed with the necessary information so that they can make informed, healthy choices.

We would love to hear what you have to say about this new study! Please comment and let us know how you feel!



Technorati tags: STD prevention, youth health