Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - December 21, 2003
The Durban Lesbian and Gay Community and Health Centre released its Oral Sex Survey on December 10. The survey concludes that the majority of people engaging in oral sex do so without protection. The NGO is supported by the Aids Foundation of South Africa, the New Zealand Aid for International Development, the Astraea Lesbian Action Foundation and the University of Natal.
In total, 844 respondents were surveyed over a period of seven months. Of these, 754 completed response documents. According to the organisation, "The survey revealed that 55,2% of the respondents did not use any form of protection during oral sex. Of these 67,5% were male and 32,5% were female. A total of 45,9% of these were self-identified as being straight, 29,6% gay, 12,3% bisexual, 8,9% lesbian, 2,6% questioning and 0,7% transgender.
"In terms of the racial demographics 44,7% were black, 30,3% were white, 14,2% were Indian, 5,8% were Asian and 5% were coloured. The majority fell between the ages of 22 and 27 years old."
The report, written by the organisation's personal counselling and support groups project coordinator, Jacques Livingstone, has warned people that "although oral sex can be an absolute delight for some, it is especially risky when the person providing oral stimulation has sores, infected gums or inflammation in his or her mouth".
The report concludes that "performing oral sex on a man seems to be much riskier than performing oral sex on a woman, because of the presence of semen." And in the light of these findings the organisation has called on the government to distribute dental dams (latex sheets) and condoms, and embark on a programme of education about the risks of oral sex.The Durban Lesbian and Gay Community Health Centre has two appointed patrons, Judge Edwin Cameron of the Supreme Court of Appeals and Zackie Achmat of the Treatment Action Campaign. While its work centres on gay and lesbian issues, the survey draws no distinctions between individuals engaging in oral sex. All are seen to share equally in the risk.
031221
MG031212
Copyright © 2003 - Daily Mail & Guardian. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2003. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .