David and Hannah had been dating exclusively for about eight months. They had talked about oral sex a few months earlier, but they agreed it was too soon in their relationship for anything but kissing. One evening, in the backseat of David's car, it came up again. And this time, Hannah agreed. "I'll do it, if you want me to," she said.

"Are you sure?" asked David.

Hannah nodded yes.

"Okay." He pulled down his pants, and she proceeded down….

Sound familiar to you? Oral sex has become increasingly common these days in teen relationships. The National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) reports that among teens, ages 15 to 19, 55% of males and 54% of females had engaged in oral sex in 2002.

While oral sex is increasingly common among teens, using protection during the act is not. The NSFG study goes on to say that only 9% of teens used protection during the most recent time they had engaged in oral sex. Also, the 2005 Campanile's Survey on Student Sexuality states that an amazing 75% of students admitted to never having used protection during oral sex.

Why are so few teens using protection?

Because I Trust My Partner

One common feeling is that a condom is not required if there is trust and love. When a group of teens in California's San Fernando Valley were interviewed by this reporter, only one reported using a condom during oral sex.

Abby, a junior, knows that "protection during oral sex can help protect against sexually transmitted diseases." However, Abby admits to never using protection during oral sex.

When Abby is asked why she doesn't use protection, she responds, "Because I know my partners very well, and I know there are no possible diseases either of us can encounter, therefore I don't see the need for [protection]."

Jane, 17, agrees, "If it is somebody I trust and care about and am comfortable with, then I won't use it."

It's good that trust is established in these relationships, but acting without condoms is like fighting fire without the proper suit.

Because It's Not Comfortable

A sense of discomfort may be another reason teens don't use latex during oral play.

Adam, a sexually active gay teen, does not use a condom when he has oral sex. Why? "It reminds me of the dentist," he says. "Not a good thought during sex."

None of the girls interviewed reported wanting to use a dental dam  during cunnilingus (going down on a girl). One didn't even know what a dental dam was. The fact that none of the girls have ever even thought to use protection around oral sex is significant. "It would be uncomfortable," says Jane. "It seems unnecessary," adds Sue, 17.

Divya, 18, a sexually active bisexual, believes that "it's more sensual when it's just you and [your partner] without rubber." Divya, by the way, is knowledgeable about the potential dangers. "I know about all the STDs you can get from oral sex." But she still says she never uses protection during oral sex.

Because Oral Sex Is Not Really Sex (Or So Some Teens Believe)

The main reason teens do not use condoms and dental dams during the deed may be because many do not consider oral sex to be real sex. Lots of teens think of oral sex as just something to do, not unlike kissing or heavy petting. The Campanile study confirmed that one-third of teenagers would easily have oral sex if they just liked someone and were not in relationships. "I think it's okay, but I don't consider it as intimate as actual sex," says Marla, 18.

However, oral sex is a serious matter. Having oral sex without protection can mean a significant risk for STDs. Since not all STDs have visible symptoms, many teens may never know if their partner has a disease or not. They may be passing around diseases without even realizing it.

If you are a sexually active teen, get tested. You can call the Centers for Disease Control's national hotline at 1-800-227-8922 for more info on STDs and testing sites near you. The consequences of oral sex cannot be emphasized enough.