Condom Use Declines Significantly Among Teen Boys
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals a troubling decline in condom use among European adolescents, with a significant drop of 9% in the number of sexually active boys using condoms since 2014. The findings indicate that only 61% of sexually active 15-year-old boys used a condom during their last sexual encounter, down from 70% in 2014. The report highlights the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies due to this alarming trend.
Widespread and Pervasive Trends Across Europe
The WHO’s Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study surveyed over 242,000 teenagers across 42 countries, finding a “pervasive” decline in condom use across multiple regions. Some countries have experienced more dramatic reductions than others, reflecting a widespread issue. While the use of contraceptive pills remains stable, the decrease in condom use points to a broader neglect of comprehensive sexual education in many countries.
Experts Warn of Rising STI Rates
The drop in condom use comes amid a sharp rise in STI cases across Europe. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), cases of gonorrhoea increased by 48% in 2022, while syphilis cases rose by 34%, and chlamydia by 16%. Untreated, these infections can lead to severe health complications, including infertility and life-threatening conditions. The WHO stresses the urgency of addressing this public health crisis through better education and access to contraception.
Calls for Improved Sex Education
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, emphasizes the need for comprehensive sexuality education to equip young people with the knowledge necessary to make informed choices. He criticizes recent efforts to undermine sex education, stating that Europe is now “reaping the bitter fruit” of these restrictive policies. Providing the right information at the right time is essential to promoting responsible sexual behavior among adolescents.
A Path Forward for Youth Health and Well-Being
The WHO report concludes by calling for stronger measures to close gaps in sexual health education and empower young people as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Dr. András Költő, the lead author of the HBSC report, advocates for comprehensive sexuality education as a means to build a solid foundation for healthy relationships. Addressing these gaps is crucial to ensuring the long-term sexual and reproductive health and rights of Europe’s youth.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The Daily Guardian
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