Oral Sex: Social Transition or Social Norm?

“While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions.”—Stephen R. Covey

Study: Half of All Teens Have Had Oral Sex
Author of Unhooked, Laura Sessions Stepp reported in the Washington Post, "Slightly more than half of American teenagers ages 15 to 19 have engaged in oral sex, with females and males reporting similar levels of experience, according to the most comprehensive national survey of sexual behaviors ever released by the federal government."

Based on in-person interviews, surveys available at The National Center for Health Statistics also reveal:

* The percentage of those engaging in oral sex increases with age to about 70 percent of all 18- and 19-year-olds.

* One in four virgin teens has engaged in oral sex.

* Among adult males 25-44 years of age, 97 percent have had vaginal intercourse, 90 percent have had oral sex with a female. Among women, the proportions who have had sexual contact with an opposite-sex partner were similar.

Is Oral Sex Safer Sex?
When weighing the pros and cons of intercourse versus oral sex, it’s obvious that oral sex cannot impregnate a woman.

Propelled into solo parenthood by an unfaithful husband, I faced many surprises. One was the numbers of adult singles engaging in risky sex. Many believed that oral sex was safer than intercourse. I do not recall anyone regaling the joys of oral sex ever mentioning this fact: Oral sex spreads STDs, including gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and the human papillomavirus, which has been linked to cervical cancer. They seemed more preoccupied with comparing size—width and length.

One friend felt chemistry with a new male acquaintance, when her fiancé was out of town. To remain “faithful” to their commitment, she performed oral sex instead of engaging in sexual intercourse. Morally, she considered oral sex acceptable, because it’s not “real” sex (a.k.a. “The Monica” and Bill Clinton’s definition).

Asking Questions
Is the "real" question really “What is safe sex?” Are we asking ourselves questions that turn our ears to wisdom? Are we applying our hearts to understanding?

Why am I more preoccupied with having fun and meeting my sexual desires rather than anticipating the consequences?

Is it important for me to remain faithful to my body, my heart and myself?