Clueless on STDs, Throat Cancer, and Oral Sex

This is a poorly researched, judegmental and sensational piece of writing.

Of course teens do see oral as a sexual activity, nobody in the general population thinks it counts as real "sex". If there wasn't such a huge emphasis on abstinence imposed on US schools (so that condom use is not taught), youth may be a bit better informed about the risks and protection available for all sexual activity. And while most know there are some risks, they are also correct in thinking that the risks are WAY LESS than vaginal or anal sex. Yes, more of the cancer cases have occured amoung men, because these are often men who has sex with men and end up having mulitiple sexual contacts. Look at the research.

Older teens and young adults have the right to choose to have sex - there is nothing immoral or implicitly wrong with this. Just like everyone, they do need to know the facts and how to reduce risks. People forget we take risks all the time in our lives - driving up to a cottage or cross town for a visit is not necessary, is a risky activity in terms of injury/death, but something we choose to do.

And fyi, there has been a vaccine for males approved, it's politics that's stopping it from being offered to the public.

kim martyn of 2:44PM December 09, 2008

As a medical provider (CNM/ARNP) I am shocked to learn this. I've asked this question at medical conferences for years and no one ever seemed to know. Now I find that this has been studied for years. There certainly is a lack of knowledge about this, and not just for medical practitioners. I think this needs to be BIG TIME NEWS for young people who think they are invincible. I think there should be graphic photos of throat cancer, and radical surgeries, bright colorful photos that also depict G.C and C.T of the throat. What about syphillis of the throat, I understand that in some states this is nearly epidemic, (syphillis).

We need conferences for kids and information for parents, we need pamphlets with this info in clinics and areas that are accesssible to youth at risk. I hate to say it, but kids that age are not going to listen to their parents, they need to be shown the ugly photos and the cold hard facts.

Thanks for your info.

There is some MD that has a web site that supposedly runs an STD clinic (I believe he said in Florida) who is giving out just the opposite info. He states that in 30 years of running his STD clinic he's never seen a case, perhaps the EENT doc's and oncologists need to send him some nice glossy photos.

thanks for your info, please work with some organization to spread the word to professionals and youth.

Katie Wagner, CNM/ARNP of WA 3:14AM November 17, 2008

thats to bad

john of MI 9:29AM November 03, 2008

Sex without being married is the "cause of all this"...obey God and wait till you get married to have sex..."fornication is a sin and hiv and all sicknesses are the price people will pay!!!

Carlo rodriguez of NY 11:39PM September 24, 2008