Sexual Practices Among Teenagers: Most of Them Prefer Oral and Anal Sex
In their study authors wrote they witnessed oral and anal sex joining, rather than replacing vaginal intercourse in heterosexual repertoires.
Recent decades have seen an earlier age of initiation of partnered sexual experiences and increased diversity in heterosexual practices among young people, according to a study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. The researchers conducted study among men and women in the age group 16 to 24 years in Britain. The data revealed prevalence of oral and anal sex among the targeted age group which were more prominent among the older generation in the previous decades. Among the sexually active, vaginal and oral sex remained the most common practices reported in the past year.
The researchers analysed more than 45,000 interviews from three surveys of British residents conducted every decade. The people interviewed in the first survey were born in the 1930s while those in the most recent survey were born between in the 1990s. Vaginal sex was the most common practice, however, there was an increased percentage among sexually active people who indulged in oral and anal sex. From one in 10 people in 1990-1991 to one in four men and one in five women in 2010-2012. The research also noted a decline in the age range over time. Between the first and the second decade, the increase was most notable among 19 to 24-year olds. But between the second and third decade, the increase was larger among 16 to 19-year olds.
In their study authors wrote they witnessed oral and anal sex joining, rather than replacing vaginal intercourse in heterosexual repertoires. The surveys also asked people about same-sex experiences, but the number of people engaged in these was not large enough to perform a meaningful analysis of trends for homosexual activity. Evidence of changing behaviours could also present potential risks. For example, teenager girls can feel pressured to engage in oral or anal sex even when they find it painful and unpleasant. Couples are also less likely to use condoms when they engage in anal sex as opposed to vaginal intercourse.
According to Eli Coleman, professor and director of the programme in human sexuality at the University of Minnesota Medical School, teens and young adults need more education about risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Coleman stresses on the fact that sex education should start early before kids become sexually active. Coleman, who was not involved in the new study, said, “Teenagers are incredibly concerned about preventing pregnancy and they’re doing a better job at that. But they’re not concerned enough about STIs and their potential long-term consequences.”
Pornography is often cited as a potential driving factor for increase in anal sex. Keeping pace with these trends it is important to make sure that health information reflects what young people are doing. “We need to promote ways people can explore their sexuality in a healthy, responsible manner,” says Coleman.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 16, 2018 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).