Zoomers, end it!
The World Health Organization has issued a warning About the “alarming decline” in condom use among teenagers, which is expected to result in a variety of consequences, including increased rates of sexually transmitted diseases and increased health care costs.
A recent study found that nearly one third (30%) of 15-year-olds reported using neither a condom nor a birth control pill the last time they had sex.
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If they did use some form of contraception, they were less likely to use condoms than the pill.
Condom use among sexually active teens has declined significantly over the past decade.
Adolescents from poorer or “less affluent” families were more likely to not use condoms.
Condom use among girls was lowest in Albania (24%) and highest in Serbia (81%). For boys, the lowest rate was found in Sweden (43%), while the highest rate was in Switzerland (77%).
However, experts warned that the “worrying” trend of unsafe sex among the schoolchildren they surveyed appeared to be a “widespread” issue across Europe.
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This has increased the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies among a large number of young people.
The issue is likely to have “far-reaching consequences”, including unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and an increased risk of transmitting sexually transmitted diseases across the continent.
“While the report's findings are disappointing, they are not surprising,” Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, the World Health Organization's regional director for Europe, said in a statement.
Experts say a lack of access to sexual education and contraceptive methods, combined with a concerted effort to suppress sex education, has led to this shocking health crisis.
“Age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education is neglected in many countries, and where it is available, it has been attacked in recent years due to the misconception that it promotes sexual behavior, when the truth is that providing young people with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes associated with responsible behavior and choices,” said Dr. Kluge.
WHO recently issued a warning calling for immediate attention to the situation.
“We need urgent and sustained action, based on data and evidence, to prevent this cascade of negative consequences, including the potential for higher rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), increased health care costs, and – most importantly – disruption to the education and career paths of young people who do not receive the necessary information and support in a timely manner,” Dr. Kluge warned.
“Ultimately, what we want to achieve for young people is a solid foundation for life and love.”
But the issue is not just limited to Europe.
Health officials in the US are warning that The rise of life-threatening sexually transmitted infections (STIs) The situation is “out of control” as people of all ages are abandoning condom use.
