One of the common myths about teens and sex (it appears to be “Teen Week” here at World of Psychology!) is that teens nowadays are trying to hold on to their virginity by engaging only in oral sex as opposed to full intercourse. New research largely debunks this myth.

The study, published in the July issue of Journal of Adolescent Health, looked at 2,200 teens ages 15 through 19 and found that teens become sexually active with both oral sex and intercourse largely at the same time. Just under half reported having full intercourse when survey, and just over half reported having had oral sex.

Those who identified themselves as virgins were far less likely to say that they had tried oral sex than those who admitted to having had full intercourse.

Within 6 months of having their first intercourse, four out of five adolescents also reported having had oral sex.

This is not as surprising a finding when you think about it. Teen sexuality is often a gradual ramp-up to full intercourse. It is unlikely a teen would simply stop the sexual progression and be satisfied at oral sex without exploring the next natural step.

Teenage sexuality is a normal, healthy expression and exploration of sexual feelings. But people should also consider the consequences of their sexual choices and practice safe sex even as a teen. Because sexual diseases and pregnancy can happen to anyone — even kids.

Read the full article: A Debunking on Teenagers and ‘Technical Virginity’

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 20 May 2008
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