Growing Concerns About Sexual Strangulation Among Young Adults

Recent statistics suggest that many Americans, particularly younger ones, are losing interest in sexual activities. Yet, a concerning practice has emerged—one that poses serious risks.

This troubling behavior, often normalized by pornography, can have dire consequences for those involved.

A study released this week in the Archive Journal of Sexual Behavior indicates that over 50% of Australian adults under 35 have experienced being strangled by a partner while engaging in sexual activities.

While it might seem strange or even deviant to some, this act can lead to severe brain damage. The effects are not always immediate, either.

Sexual strangulation typically involves applying pressure to the neck to restrict breathing and blood flow, often described as a way to enhance the sexual experience. It can involve elements of dominance and submission, utilizing hands, limbs, and items like belts.

In sexual contexts, it is often referred to as “suffocation.”

Experts caution about the dangers of this practice, reminding us that, despite any mutual consent, there’s inherent risk involved.

“There’s no completely safe way to engage in asphyxiation,” stated Dr. Debbie Helvenick, a public health professor at Indiana University. “While fatal incidents are rare, they do occur.”

The neck is considered “surprisingly fragile,” and restricting blood flow to the brain can result in lasting damage.

Even applying a relatively light force—think opening a can of soda—can lead to unconsciousness and potential brain injury.

Immediate repercussions of sexual strangulation might include neck bruising, vision changes, dizziness, and trouble swallowing.

Experts from Bangor University pointed out that a drop in arterial pressure can cause someone to lose consciousness within four seconds, indicating that even a brief loss of consciousness suggests some form of brain damage.

While unconsciousness can happen quickly, more severe outcomes like death or paralysis could occur within minutes.

Some effects may not appear for days, weeks, or even years, manifesting as issues with voice, memory, anxiety, and can even lead to miscarriages.

Research indicates that, similar to the cumulative impacts of repeated head injuries, brain damage from sexual asphyxiation could also build up, leading to long-term cognitive issues.

“The likelihood of brain injury increases with each incident of strangulation,” explained Professor Heather Douglas from the University of Melbourne.

This type of strangulation has been identified as the second leading cause of strokes in women under 40, according to a 2022 study.

Moreover, some research suggests that strangulation poses greater dangers than waterboarding due to its dual impact on blood and airflow.

Recent studies have shown that women who have experienced strangulation show greater levels of markers typically associated with brain damage compared to those without such experiences.

Researchers believe that the increased prevalence of strangulation is partly due to its portrayal in pornography. In response, the UK has announced plans to criminalize pornographic content depicting strangulation, acknowledging its role in normalizing this dangerous act.

As societal understanding of “rough sex” evolves, which now encompasses a broader range of behaviors including light spanking and other forms of physical restraint, the risks also seem to escalate.

Data from the UK illustrates this troubling trend: the number of women injured or killed in situations labeled as “consensual rough sex” has dramatically jumped from two in 1996 to twenty in 2016.

Researchers behind this latest study are hopeful that their findings will shed light on the risks of sexual strangulation and stimulate discussions around the topic of consent.

“We need an educational approach that isn’t stigmatizing, aimed at empowering young people to navigate consent and safety in light of the risks associated with sexual strangulation,” the authors concluded.