Choking during sex has become increasingly common among young adults, but experts warn that many people remain unclear about the serious health risks involved.
A new survey commissioned by the Institute for Addressing Strangulation (IfAS) found that more than half of people aged 16 to 34 have experienced choking or strangulation during consensual sexual activity at least once. The UK-based organisation works to reduce harm linked to strangulation in domestic abuse, sexual situations and forensic investigations.
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Researchers say the findings point to the growing influence of pornography that depicts choking, contributing to the normalisation of the practice among younger generations. The report comes as the UK government moves forward with plans to ban pornographic content that includes choking under the proposed Crime and Policing Bill.
When consent is missing
While many respondents described positive experiences, the survey also uncovered troubling patterns. More than one in four participants said they had been choked during sex without giving prior consent.
As per a report by The Conversation, experts note that this is particularly concerning because non-fatal strangulation has long been recognised as a warning sign in cases of intimate partner violence. When a behaviour associated with coercive relationships becomes more common in consensual encounters, distinguishing between consent and harm can become increasingly difficult.
Confusion over what makes it dangerous
The survey revealed significant confusion about how strangulation affects the body. Nearly three-quarters of respondents considered choking during sex either “very dangerous” or “somewhat dangerous”. Yet opinions differed sharply when asked whether strangulation could ever be done safely. Twenty-nine percent believed it could, 39% disagreed and 32% were uncertain.
Participants also disagreed on what might make the practice safer, particularly whether pressure on the airway or the blood vessels in the neck posed the greater risk.
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Why strangulation can be dangerous
Medical experts explain that the brain can be deprived of oxygen in two ways: by blocking breathing or by restricting blood flow through the neck’s blood vessels.
The difference is significant. While airway obstruction may take around a minute to cause unconsciousness, restricting blood flow can lead to unconsciousness within five to ten seconds. Because blood-flow restriction may not feel immediately distressing, people may not realise the danger until it is too late.
Potential consequences include breathing difficulties, swallowing problems, memory issues, psychological trauma and, in rare cases, stroke or death.
The need for clearer information
The report suggests that improving public understanding of strangulation risks could help reduce harm. Researchers argue that clearer education about how strangulation affects the body would support broader public health efforts and help people make informed decisions about practices that carry significant health dangers.
