What Are the Health Risks of Choking During Sex, and How Can They Be Addressed?
Choking or strangulation during sexual activities is something that has garnered significant attention recently. New research has sparked a rise in awareness of this practice, particularly among teenagers and young adults, with statistics revealing that 64% of women reported having experienced choking during sex. Despite the thrill that some individuals might associate with this behavior, the health risks associated with choking are serious and often overlooked.
Understanding Choking and Its Risks
Choking during sex typically involves applying pressure to the neck, which can restrict airflow and blood flow. While some might refer to this practice as “choking,” it is technically strangulation as it is accomplished by applying external pressure to the neck. The act can be performed using hands, forearms, or objects, such as belts or cords. A recent study showed that about 26.5% of women, 6.6% of men, and 22.3% of transgender and gender non-binary participants reported having been choked during their most recent sexual encounter.
Health Consequences
The consequences of choking during sex can vary from mild discomfort to severe health issues. Neurological symptoms are among the most concerning risks. Individuals who experience choking may develop recurrent headaches, sensitivity to light, and voice hoarseness. These symptoms can be indicative of underlying issues such as nerve damage or even strokes, particularly in younger individuals who should not normally be experiencing such conditions.
Research suggests that many individuals engaging in choking during sex are often uninformed of these health risks. A significant gap exists in awareness, with most participants not connecting their symptoms to previous choking experiences. This lack of understanding can lead to serious health complications that go unreported and untreated.
Education and Awareness
A crucial first step in mitigating the health risks associated with choking during sex is through education. Healthcare providers, particularly those who work with adolescents and young adults, must initiate conversations about sexual health that go beyond traditional discussions about contraception and sexually transmitted infections.
Providers should consider incorporating discussions about the prevalence of choking and its potential risks into routine check-ups. It is essential to create an environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their sexual practices without fear of judgment or shame. By doing so, healthcare professionals can offer critical information about safe sexual practices and the importance of recognizing concerning symptoms.
Open Communication
Encouraging open communication about sexual behaviors is vital. Healthcare providers can facilitate discussions by asking patients about their sexual experiences, including any rough practices such as choking. Using phrases like, “I’ve heard about some common practices among young people, including choking during sex. Have you experienced anything like this?” can help make the conversation more approachable.
This proactive approach not only helps in identifying individuals who may be experiencing adverse effects from choking but also reassures them that they can discuss these topics freely.
Public Health Initiatives
There is a pressing need for public health campaigns that focus on the risks associated with choking during sex. Organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have successfully addressed similar issues in the past, such as the choking game among adolescents. A similar approach is needed to educate the public about choking during sexual activity, especially given the higher prevalence of this behavior among young women and sexual minorities.
Conclusion
Choking during sex poses significant health risks that require urgent attention. As society grows more aware of diverse sexual practices, it is important for healthcare providers to adapt and include comprehensive discussions about these practices in their patient interactions. Education, open communication, and targeted public health initiatives can help mitigate the health risks associated with choking, ensuring that individuals can engage in sexual activities safely and consensually. By fostering an environment of understanding and support, we can better protect the health and well-being of young people navigating sexual experiences.
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from the ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Sexual Medicine Open Access:
Diverse Sexual Behaviors in Undergraduate Students: Findings From a Campus Probability Survey
Compulsive Sexual Behavior and Dysregulation of Emotion
References:
Herbenick, D., Fu, T.-C., Patterson, C., Rosenstock Gonzalez, Y. R., Luetke, M., & Svetina Valdivia, D. (2021). Prevalence and characteristics of choking/strangulation during sex: Findings from a probability survey of undergraduate students. The Journal of Sex Research, 58(7), 1059–1073. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2021.1920599
Rubin, R. S. (2024, July 23). The disturbing sexual trend with real health consequences. Medscape Urology. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/disturbing-sexual-trend-real-health-consequences-2024a1000daq
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