FPA Launches New Leaflet 'Oral Sex' And Reacts To New STI Figures From HPA, UK

Main Category: Sexual Health / STDs
Also Included In: Men's health
Article Date: 24 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PST

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The fpa is announcing the launch of its new leaflet Oral Sex to coincide with the 2006 sexually transmitted infection (STI) data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA). The data shows a 2% increase in new infections and a 9% increase in genital herpes. Genital herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis are the most common STIs passed through oral sex but there is also a risk of transmitting chlamydia this way.

Oral Sex is aimed at young people and adults. It discusses what oral sex is, how STIs can be transmitted through oral sex and the ways people can protect themselves and their partner.

The design of the leaflet is a question and answer format, addressing the most common questions and concerns people have. These include 'what if my partner ejaculates in my mouth' and 'can I get an infection if I give oral sex to a partner'. The use of dams during oral sex is discussed, including what they are and where to get them from.

Anne Weyman, Chief Executive, fpa said: "People don't always consider sex as being 'risky behaviour' and its essential they know what the risks are. Genital herpes has risen within the whole population and 16% in young women. Genital herpes is easily passed orally, but how many people wear a condom or use a dam when they have oral sex?

"[i]Although three quarters of the British population practice oral sex the subject is rarely discussed. People need accurate and comprehensive information on all aspects of sexual health, including topics that some people think are taboo.

"Providing useful information to help people keep themselves and their partners safe from infection, whilst still enjoying oral sex is important and necessary. The leaflet is relevant for anyone having oral sex regardless of age, sexuality and sexual preference," she concluded.

Commenting on the new STI figures for 2006 Anne continued:

"We do have a national Sexual Health Strategy, but it hasn't been fully implemented across the country. Instead of taking action and making things better, some Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) have been overcome with inertia.

"We welcome the decrease in waiting times in genitourinary medicine clinics (GUM) and that almost a million people have had sexual health screening. But, sexual health services in general are still under-funded, under-resourced and over-stretched."
The Oral Sex leaflet is part of fpa's extensive sexual health range on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and abortion and the young people's sex and relationships education range.

Individuals can download their own free copies from fpa's website at http://www.fpa.org.uk/. For professionals: Oral sex leaflet costs £6.50 for 50 copies. Orders must be placed through fpa's dedicated sales email fpadirect@fpa.org.uk.

Notes:

i) National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal 2000).
Other leaflets in fpa's information range include: Your contraceptive choices after you've had your baby, Bodyworks, Combined pill, Male and female condoms, Contraceptive patch, Diaphragms and caps, Emergency contraception, Implant, Contraceptive injections, the IUD, the IUS, Natural family planning, Progestogen-only pill, Male and female sterilisation, Your guide to contraception, Planning a pregnancy, Chlamydia, Genital herpes, Genital warts, Gonorrhoea, HIV, Non-specific NSU, Pubic lice and scabies, Syphillis, Trichomonas vaginalis, Vaginal infections, Your sexual health, Oral sex, Pregnant and don't know what to do, Abortion.

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

http://www.fpa.org.uk/