September 19, 2005 -- Half of 15-to-19 Teen Females Report Having Oral Sex

In year 2002 interviews by the National Center for Health Statistics, 58 percent of white females 15-19 years of age and 53 percent of black females in that age group reported that they had at some time given or received oral sex. For males, 57 percent of white males ages 15-19 and 59 percent of black males in the age group reported having had oral sex. Among Hispanic females 15-19 years of age, 48.8 percent reported having had any oral sex, and for Hispanic males in that age group, the percentage was 52.9. Noting that “Educational campaigns in recent years have encouraged teenagers to delay sexual activity,” the National Center for Health Statistics noted there is rising concern that teenagers may be responding to this message by engaging in oral sex in order to prevent pregnancy. The report cautions that “There is evidence, however, that certain diseases can be transmitted through oral sex, including gonorrhea, chlamydia, chancroid, and syphilis.” The 56-page PDF report, “Sexual Behavior and Selected Health Measures: Men and Women 15-44 Years of Age, United States, 2002,” can be downloaded from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/ad/361-370/ad362.htm .