According to Brown University sexual strangulation can be defined as, “…(often called “choking”) the application of pressure to the neck, usually with the hand(s) or a limb, which restricts air flow and/or blood flow to the brain.” Popularized in the porn industry, as well as media such as the song “Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow, there has been an increase of sexual strangulation being brought into the bedroom for many young people. So is it safe?
Experts like Jane Meyrick, a health psychologist, say there are no safe ways to engage in sexual strangulation. Strangulation restricts air and blood flow, and according to the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention there are many risks to it. In just 5-10 seconds the person will experience loss of consciousness, and death in 1-3 minutes. There are approximately 250 to 1,000 deaths in the United States every year due to sexual strangulation. There are also long-term health consequences due to strangulation including memory loss, traumatic brain injury, and more. In conclusion sexual strangulation can never be done safely and should not be popularized by the media with little to no education being given to youth.
Written by: Beth Ganion
