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NEW YORK -- Pediatricians at the University of California San Francisco, Dr. Sonya S. Brady and Bonnie L. Halpern-Felsher, composed a study on whether sex can harm a teenager emotionally. The study found that teenagers suffer emotionally from having sex, even "oral" sex. The results are based on a series of surveys taken by 618 students at two different public high schools, beginning from ninth graders that are fourteen years old and on. 275 students of the 618 reported to already being sexually active by tenth grade.
The study found that girls "felt bad about themselves", three times more used, guilty, or regretful than boys after having sex. Teenagers that only have oral sex was less likely to report negative consequences like the students that were having sex. Students that reported to be having only oral sex had less reports of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, negative emotions, or negative physical feelings. They also didn't mention any positive outcomes from oral sex, like feeling more closer to the other or feeling good about themselves.
The researchers believe that parents should talk to teenagers about the negative consequences of sex, even oral sex. Parents should also take their time in explaining what "sex" really is to their teenagers.
"It is important for parents to help teens understand that having oral sex may result in social, emotional and physical health consequences -- just as having vaginal sex may result in these consequences," stated Brady and Halpern-Felsher.
The study also found that girls usually feel more pressured to be sexually attractive and to be sexually active than boys. With boys it is different. Their sexuality and sexual behavior is accepted.
Brady and Halpern-Felsher stated that ""Parents can play an important role in helping to eliminate this double standard by encouraging respect for women and discouraging the use of derogatory sexual terms."
The study suggests that parents should talk to their teenagers about the positive and negative consequences of being sexually active. Brady and Halpern-Felsher noted that the parents should mention the "emotional intimacy" some of their kids might be looking for, but also mention other ways to find that same feeling with their partner.
