Adolescents tend to forego using condoms more frequently.
In contrast to a decade ago, young individuals in Europe are less inclined to utilize condoms during sexual encounters. The World Health Organization (WHO) asserts that this shift is not due to a deliberate choice, but rather a result of inadequate sex education. Consequently, cases of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies have escalated.
According to a new report published by the WHO European regional office in Copenhagen, there has been a notable decrease in the use of condoms among sexually active adolescents since 2014. The report further reveals an alarmingly high rate of unprotected sex among the younger generation. This puts them at a substantial risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and experiencing unintended pregnancies, the organization warned.
The survey, which is part of a larger health study involving 15-year-olds from 42 countries and regions, revealed that a considerable number of sexually active respondents engaged in unprotected sex. The proportion of boys who used condoms during their last sexual encounter decreased from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. Among girls, the figure dropped from 63% to 57%. Almost one-third of respondents (30%) neither used condoms nor the pill during their last sexual encounter.
Germans average in condom use, lead in pill use
German youth are relatively average when it comes to condom use. According to the report, 59% of sexually active boys and 58% of girls reported using condoms during their last sexual encounter in 2022, a drop from 72% of boys and 68% of girls in 2014. However, the report shows that the pill is used more frequently in Germany compared to most other countries: Only 16% of girls and 23% of boys did not use either the pill or a condom. Austria and Switzerland ranked higher in this aspect.
The WHO explained the findings by citing substantial gaps in age-appropriate sex education and access to contraceptives. The report's results were concerning but not entirely unexpected, said WHO regional director Hans Kluge. Age-appropriate sex education remains overlooked in many countries, and where it exists, it has been criticized in recent years for allegedly promoting sexual behavior.
According to the report's lead author, András Költő of Galway University, comprehensive sex education is essential to empower all young people to make informed decisions about sex. Young people not only require information but also safe spaces to discuss topics like consent, intimate relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation during this vulnerable stage of their lives.
The decrease in condom use among young individuals in Europe has been linked to inadequate sex education, as stated by the WHO. This lack of education contributes to the rising cases of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive sexuality education.
The shift away from condom use among young Europeans, as highlighted in the report, can put individuals at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and experiencing unintended pregnancies, emphasizing the need for improved sex education.
