Although young people may be knowledgeable about how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases when engaging in intercourse, many are unaware they should take similar precautions with oral sex. The Alan Guttmacher Institute reports that more teenagers and college students are engaging in oral sex than penetrative sex--often without protection.

According to Stanford University's Sexual Health Peer Resource Center, the three most common STDs on campus are herpes, chlamydia, and HPV. All three diseases can be transmitted via oral sex and can manifest themselves in the mouth and throat. And because infected persons may not show any symptoms, they may unknowingly spread the infections to their partners.

Barrier methods such as dental dams or condoms decrease the risk of transmission during oral sex. But prevention efforts that stress safer oral sex often go unheeded among students. "Everybody knows about [barrier methods for oral sex], but I've never heard of anyone who used it," says one student, who asked to remain anonymous. "People don't think there's a risk of anything remotely serious," says senior Kelly Parker as to why students engage in unsafe oral sex.

Some students claim barrier methods are inconvenient or "don't feel as good." "Using a dental dam is like an extra measure that would make it seem extra dirty. They're too exotic," says Elaine Liu, a senior. Students also claim dental dams are difficult to find.

Various online retailers, as well as the SHPRC in Vanden Student Health Center, carry dental dams. Condoms or non-microwavable plastic wrap also can be used as barrier methods.

[This summary provided by the CDC National Center for HIV, STD, and TB Prevention | Standord Daily | February 12, 2004 | Lisa Diver]