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A study of data from Baltimore STD clinics indicates that over the past decade there was a significant increase in the proportion of teens and young adults engaging in oral sex and, less commonly, anal sex.

Researchers examined the 1994 medical records of 2,598 12- to 25-year-olds and the 2004 medical records of 6,438 subjects of the same age attending Baltimore STD clinics. The researchers found that over the 10-year period, the prevalence of self-reported oral sex within the preceding 90 days doubled among males, from 16 percent to 32 percent, and more than doubled among females, from 14 percent to 38 percent. The study found an increase in anal sex among young women, "but it was a lot less common than oral sex," according to study authors, with the prevalence rising from 3 percent to 5.5 percent.

Researchers said there may be a perception that oral sex is safer than intercourse, and it may be for some STDs. However, both oral and anal sex can result in the transmission of STDs, of course.

Editor's Note: from Reuters