Choking during sex linked to stroke and brain injury in young people
Experts warn young Australians face stroke and brain damage risk from common sexual strangulation, driven mainly by pornography.
Forensic experts and researchers are very concerned. Sexual strangulation is now very common among young people.
Many no longer see it as risky or unusual. Dr Amelia McLean from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine said doctors now see young patients in their early 20s with strangulation injuries.
Young people dismiss these injuries casually. Even mild pressure can tear blood vessel linings and cause immediate or delayed brain damage.
Videos on TikTok and YouTube give advice on how to squeeze neck arteries safely. Experts agree that no amount of pressure is truly safe.
Research shows 57 per cent of 18 to 35-year-olds have been strangled at least once. Possible harms include stroke, seizures, memory loss, cognitive problems, and death.
A 16-year-old Sydney girl died from strangulation during sex in August. After that, the federal government thought about banning choking pornography, the practice's main source.
- 18 to 35 years old
- Age group affected
- 57 per cent of 18 to 35-year-olds
- Young people strangled
- 16-year-old Sydney girl, August
- Death case
Why it mattersYoung people face lifelong brain injury from a practice they don't fully understand is risky. Social media is hiding the true dangers.
AustraliaAustralian health services report a surge in young people seeking help for acquired brain injuries linked to strangulation, and Australian experts warn this generation faces higher long-term stroke and cognitive risks.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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