Students discuss reasons for not using protection during oral sex
Thinking about rounding the bases? Think again.
You might be putting a damper on your game if you don’t put on your raincoat first.
Most students at CU know that using protection, typically condoms, during sex reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. What is surprising, though, is that many students engage in oral sex without using condoms or dental dams – the flat pieces of latex used to prevent the transfer of bodily fluids during cunnilingus or oral-to-anal sex – and are unaware of the risks they are taking.
Reasons for not using protection vary from being in a monogamous relationship to feeling awkward about discussing it.
“I just don’t (use condoms during oral sex) because it’s not like I can get pregnant through my mouth,” said Amelia Gunning, a freshman English major.
One student said she thought it was awkward and unnecessary.
“I don’t really think it makes it (oral sex) any safer,” said Katie Dalton, a freshman integrative physiology major.
For students who were dating, or in steady relationships, feelings about using protection during oral sex implied doubts about their partner’s faithfulness, and they said they felt it undermined trust within the relationship.
“I have a boyfriend, and I’ve been with him a long time. If there was anything wrong, I’m sure I would know,” Gunning said.
Jonna Fleming, the sexual health education coordinator at Wardenburg, said that condoms and dental dams, even during oral sex, could help prevent the spread of STIs.
“Reducing skin-to-skin contact is important as well,” said Fleming.
Risks associated with unprotected oral sex include gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, HPV and HIV.
“Students can find condoms and dental dams at Wardenburg and the Women’s Resource Center,” Fleming said.
But luckily for CU, it appears that their sexual health programs are paying off. All of the students interviewed knew exactly where to find condoms when they needed them.
“You can get them from Wardenburg or RAs in the dorm,” Dalton said.
Some dorm bathrooms, like Arnett, also have condoms available for students, Gunning said.
