Findings Reveal Surprise Trends In Oral Sex Demographics
Yasmine Parrish
9/26/05
Life & Style
Life & Style
Oral sex is on the rise in its media exposure; from jokes about giving and receiving it to references in songs. The topic that seemed so taboo at one point is now in the forefront of every Cosmopolitan headline and may be America's latest sexual obsession.
A report released by the National Center for Health Statistics on Sept.13 showed that slightly over half of teenagers between ages 15 and19 have engaged in oral sex. The statistic is raised to a significant 70 percent for 18 and 19-year-old's.
The figure is even higher for people who engage in intercourse. Though the graph for females performing oral sex shows a higher average than males, the numbers don't show as much statistical significance as most would think.
In a report by the center nine months ago, findings showed that only slightly more girls than boys have intercourse before they reach age 20.
Students such as junior biology and pre-dentistry major Dominique Askew, are not surprised at the figures but more so shocked that so many girls admitted to performing oral sex.
"A lot of girls still have the mind set that 'good girls' just don't do that so I am surprised that so many admitted the fact that they do it," said Askew, after Meridian Hill Hall's relationship forum: What Men Want and What Women Need.
Though there are some that do believe that performing oral sex is not a socially acceptable thing to do, the study showed that young people, particularly from middle to upper-class white families, don't consider oral sex a big deal.
"We used to talk about sex in terms of first base, second base and so on. Oral sex was maybe in the dugout," said Bill Albert, communications director for the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy, to the Washington Post.
Claire Brindis, professor of pediatrics at the University of California at San Francisco tried to explain the relevance of the statistics to the Washington Post.
"Oral sex is far less intimate than intercourse. It's a different kind of relationship [and] at 50 percent, we're talking about a major social norm. It's part of kids' lives," Brindis said.
Even for those who have abstained from traditional intercourse especially use oral sex as a substitute. The center's findings show that one in four virgins do indeed engage in oral sex.
"Many students engage in oral sex because they know that it is one way no one will get pregnant. It has hidden risks and so many people are apt to do it," said sophomore film production major Vincent Hunter.
"Oral sex is a form of foreplay," said Askew. "It's another form of enjoyment that allows two people who care for each other deeply to display their affection for one another."
However, those who participate in oral sex are susceptible to just as many sexually transmitted diseases as those who engage in traditional intercourse.
"It's a choice and if people are willing to engage in the act they also need to be able to acknowledge the consequences that come along with it. Protect yourself," Askew said. "Use a dental dam, condoms, just remain healthy."
A report released by the National Center for Health Statistics on Sept.13 showed that slightly over half of teenagers between ages 15 and19 have engaged in oral sex. The statistic is raised to a significant 70 percent for 18 and 19-year-old's.
The figure is even higher for people who engage in intercourse. Though the graph for females performing oral sex shows a higher average than males, the numbers don't show as much statistical significance as most would think.
In a report by the center nine months ago, findings showed that only slightly more girls than boys have intercourse before they reach age 20.
Students such as junior biology and pre-dentistry major Dominique Askew, are not surprised at the figures but more so shocked that so many girls admitted to performing oral sex.
"A lot of girls still have the mind set that 'good girls' just don't do that so I am surprised that so many admitted the fact that they do it," said Askew, after Meridian Hill Hall's relationship forum: What Men Want and What Women Need.
Though there are some that do believe that performing oral sex is not a socially acceptable thing to do, the study showed that young people, particularly from middle to upper-class white families, don't consider oral sex a big deal.
"We used to talk about sex in terms of first base, second base and so on. Oral sex was maybe in the dugout," said Bill Albert, communications director for the National Campaign to Prevent Teenage Pregnancy, to the Washington Post.
Claire Brindis, professor of pediatrics at the University of California at San Francisco tried to explain the relevance of the statistics to the Washington Post.
"Oral sex is far less intimate than intercourse. It's a different kind of relationship [and] at 50 percent, we're talking about a major social norm. It's part of kids' lives," Brindis said.
Even for those who have abstained from traditional intercourse especially use oral sex as a substitute. The center's findings show that one in four virgins do indeed engage in oral sex.
"Many students engage in oral sex because they know that it is one way no one will get pregnant. It has hidden risks and so many people are apt to do it," said sophomore film production major Vincent Hunter.
"Oral sex is a form of foreplay," said Askew. "It's another form of enjoyment that allows two people who care for each other deeply to display their affection for one another."
However, those who participate in oral sex are susceptible to just as many sexually transmitted diseases as those who engage in traditional intercourse.
"It's a choice and if people are willing to engage in the act they also need to be able to acknowledge the consequences that come along with it. Protect yourself," Askew said. "Use a dental dam, condoms, just remain healthy."