There’s been a great deal of talk in various media sources recently about studies that are being conducted on the increase in cases of genital herpes type 1. Typically, herpes simplex virus 2 causes genital herpes , although both strains of HSV are known to cause both genital and oral symptoms. However, as indicated in recent studies in the United States and Europe it has been found that HSV-1 is causing the majority of newly diagnosed cases of genital herpes lesions.
In addition, a study conducted by Thomas herpes and colleagues of the University of Pittsburgh that was published in the February 2005 issue of the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that women who engage in oral sex but do not engage in vaginal intercourse are much more likely to be infected with HSV-1 than sexually inactive women or women who engage in vaginal intercourse but not oral sex.
The exact percentage of people who engage in oral sex is unknown, while evidence in recent years indicates that oral sex has and is becoming more popular. According to studies conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers, 65% of men and 80% of women between 2001 and 2002 reported having performed oral sex, compared with 20% of men and 40% of women between 1989 and 1991, Jonathon Zenilman, an infectious disease specialist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said (FitzGerald, Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/28/05). According to a 2003 Kaiser Family Foundation survey of 1,800 teens and young adults between the ages 13 and 24, more than 30% of people interviewed reported having engaged in oral sex, and 40% of those interviewed said they believed oral sex is "safer" than intercourse. And according to this same study, one in five teens and young adults did not know they could contract a sexually transmitted disease by engaging in oral sex.
Perhaps the heightened awareness regarding oral sex and sexually transmitted diseases can be accredited to the fact that this is Spring Break season and over the last couple of weeks and few weeks to follow, young adults will be trapsing off to warmer climates for a break away from their everyday routines. Although it’s a prime time to draw focus on the topics of risk and sexually transmitted diseases, it should be a focus that is highlighted year round.
Typically this time of year accounts for a drastic jump in the number of STD related visits to college wellness centers and clinics but it doesn’t compare to the even larger increase in reported cases during the beginning of the fall semester when students are returning from a lengthy summer break. These statistics alone should be enough indicator to provide a solid foundation for the need of STD Education being provided to teens and young adults.
It is also important to realize that the choices made by students in where to enjoy their spring break has little if anything to do with their rate of risk in contracting an STD since most of the other spring breakers they will encounter are students visiting from the U.S. as well.
Statistically, 90% of those who have genital herpes have no idea they have a sexually transmitted disease therefore have no way of knowing what a threat they pose to others by engaging in casual sex. It is important to realize that without proper STD testing, nearly anyone you encounter could posses the ability to transmit a sexually transmitted virus to you.