The Jambar

Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: News

Media Credit: ADAM ROGERS / THE JAMBAR

Susan Spencer, R.N. the interim sexually transmitted disease supervisor at the Youngstown City Health District said it is a rumor that there is no link between oral sex and STDs. She listed herpes and gonorrhea as two major diseases passed. She also included chlamydia and HIV as two more diseases that could be contracted.

A 2007 study in the "New England Journal of Medicine" found a link between oral sex and the transfer of the human papillomavirus [HPV], a disease they tied to cancer of the throat, mouth and "virtually all cervical cancers."

This control study was performed on "100 patients with newly diagnosed oropharyngeal [base of the tongue, tonsils and uvula] cancer and 200 control patients without cancer."

The results found that the risk of contracting oropharyngeal cancer increased from "1.3 to 8.8" for anyone that had a "high lifetime number" of six or more oral sex partners.

Student opinion on the subject was generally mixed. While many were uncertain about the link, they still found it something to be wary of.

"I don't give oral sex, but to be on the precautionary side, if I ever did I would use protection," said freshman Brielle Watls.

Freshman Vinny Valentino said he was concerned about the dangers of cuts or open sores in the mouth, especially in the "area below the tongue," which he feels would be a clear source of infection.

"There is a million things that can occur," Valentino said.

Watls agrees with this concern and adds that her mouth piercing is one of the main reasons she abstains from oral sex.

"I have a tongue ring so I wouldn't have oral sex because it might get infected," said Watls.

Freshman Mike Slater sees the potential risk involved but does not worry about it much.

"The risk just isn't as strong as regular intercourse," Slater said.

Spencer said this may be true, but is apprehensive about casting it off completely.

"It's [the risk] slim; I can't even quote you a statistic," said Spencer adding that while the risk may be minimal, it's still there.

Spencer adds another possible reason behind the lack of knowledge on the subject is the modern attitudes and myths about sexual activity.

"Many people are under the incorrect assumption that oral sex is not sex," Spencer said.

Many students say they are limited in their choices to protect themselves during this activity.

"I use condoms sometimes, but I'm not aware of any other protective measures when it comes to oral sex," said freshman Steve Vada.

In addition to wearing a condom, Spencer offers the option of wearing a dental dam, which she describes as "a piece of latex laid over the female body." She also said an "open condom" can be used as a cover. An open condom is one that is cut open to form a "square."

Another main way to stay safe, Spencer said, is monogamy, which will reduce the amount of contact a person will have with certain disease strains.

"The risk of disease is increased when the amount of partners one has during their lifetime is increased," said Spencer.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools