More than half of the nation’s 15- to 19-year-olds have participated in oral sex according to a federal study released yesterday, which doesn’t surprise some students and health officials who say the deed has become almost too common.

About 70 percent of 18- to 19-year-olds have engaged in oral sex, the highest percentage among teenagers. While this is the most detailed report issued by the National Center for Health Statistics, some students say they think that number is probably higher.

“Most of the people I know, I’d say 99 percent of them have engaged in oral sex,” said Rachel Toprac, a junior majoring in music performance. “It’s kind of a norm now, which is kind of sad.”

Tara Torchia, a sexual health coordinator at the University Health Center, said oral sex is increasingly becoming more common among college students. Students’ views toward oral sex have changed as it becomes more acceptable.

“You can still have oral sex and be a virgin,” said John Burt, a university health professor who teaches a course in human sexuality. “There’s little doubt that that is one of the motivating facts.”

Most people usually think of oral sex as a safe alternative because the female cannot get pregnant. Torchia said of the three types of intercourse – oral, anal and vaginal – oral sex is the safest, yet students don’t realize there’s just as much risk of contracting sexual transmitted diseases.

Many students don’t realize cold sores are considered herpes, and if one person has cold sores in his or her mouth, the other can contract herpes, Torchia said.

“Just because it’s less risky than intercourse doesn’t mean people should give it less thought,” Torchia said. “A lot of people feel oral sex does not constitute as sex.”

Students should take the same precautions with their partners as if they were having vaginal intercourse by knowing their sexual histories and getting tested for STD’s, Torchia said. People should also use protection, such as condoms with flavored lubricants and dental dams, a thin square of latex placed over the vagina to protect the spread of vaginal fluids during oral sex.

Ryan Kehoe, a graduate student in English, said people may not be aware of all the risks associated with oral sex because of the lack of information. There’s an inherent pressure among young adults to please their partner, he said, which some may feel means they have to perform oral sex.

“College is a hormonal time for students,” Kehoe said. “It’s a dual combination to protect your virginity while keeping your [significant other] happy.”

Years ago, oral sex used to be regarded as bestial, Torchia said. Many other factors like word of mouth and the media – including television shows, movies and even the news – have made oral sex more acceptable throughout the years.

The national report falls in line with a survey conducted among university students two years ago. A Gemstone group surveyed 400 incoming freshmen in fall 2003, and found that 63 percent of the respondents had oral sex. Of those students, 93 percent had it without protection.

Both the campus and national study indicate a need for more sexual education. “[The study] continues to reinforce why we … talk about oral sex,” Torchia said.

Contact reporter Laurie Au at lauriedbk@gmail.com.