Experts are highlighting the serious risks associated with sexual choking, a practice they say is common among young people. It is reported that even light pressure, similar to a handshake, on someone's throat can lead to serious injury, unconsciousness, or death.
These injuries, which may include brain damage and stroke, are often internal and not immediately visible. They can manifest days or even months after the initial incident. Many individuals participating in sexual choking are reportedly unaware of these potential risks.
Professor Heather Douglas of Melbourne Law School stated that choking or sexual strangulation is common among young people. A 2024 survey of 4,702 Australians aged 18 to 35 found that 57% reported having experienced sexual strangulation, 51% reported strangling a partner, and 43.9% reported participating in both.
Research by Dr. Debby Herbenick, director of Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, indicated that over a third of 18-39 year olds in a US national survey reported being choked during sex. Herbenick's research, including a partnership with neuroscientists, suggests that frequent participation in choking can cause brain injury.
Experts agree that robust sexual education specifically addressing choking is a crucial first step in preventing severe health outcomes. Educational messages focusing on health implications and consent were found to be effective for women in changing intentions around choking, while men also needed to be aware of potential legal consequences in the event of injury or death.