Adolescents tend to forego the use of condoms more frequently.

Young folks in Europe are using condoms less frequently before having sex, a trend that's been on the rise since the last decade.

As per a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the frequency of condom use among sexually active teens has drastically decreased since 2014. The study, which involved surveying thousands of 15-year-olds from various European countries, Central Asia, and Canada, revealed an alarming increase in the number of unprotected sexual encounters. The report showed that the percentage of boys who used condoms during their last sexual encounter dropped from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. For girls, the figure dropped from 63% to 57%. Intriguingly, around 30% of the respondents didn't use any form of protection during their last sexual encounter.

Germany's condom use is average, but contraceptive pill use is high

German teens are relatively average when it comes to condom use, with 59% of sexually active boys and 58% of girls reporting condom use in 2022, a significant decrease from 2014. However, the report highlights that the contraceptive pill is more frequently used in Germany compared to most other countries, with only 16% of girls and 23% of boys not using either the pill or a condom.

Despite these trends, the WHO points out that there are substantial gaps in age-appropriate sex education and access to contraceptives. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive sex education that equips young people with the knowledge and safe spaces they require to make informed decisions about sex as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Topics such as consent, relationships, gender identity, and sexual orientation should be discussed in these safe spaces.

Despite the decrease in condom use among German teens, the WHO commends their higher usage of the contraceptive pill compared to many other countries. However, they highlight the need for improved sex education and wider access to contraceptives in various countries, including Germany, to combat the spread of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

Further Reading:

Enrichment Insights:

1. Condom Use Trends: Although the exact condom use trends in Europe since 2014 are not outlined, studies on low- and middle-income countries suggest the importance of reliable sources for sexual and reproductive health information and technology-enabled interventions to promote condom use.
2. Adolescent Sexual Activity: Research reveals that many adolescents engage in sexual activity earlier than recommended, which increases their risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.
3. Health Education: The effectiveness of health education and interventions greatly influences condom use. Digital health interventions, such as mobile phone apps and SMS-based programs, have been shown to improve knowledge and behavior related to sexual and reproductive health, including condom use.
4. Access to Family Planning Services: The availability and accessibility of family planning resources, including condoms, significantly impact condom use rates. Barriers in accessing these resources can contribute to lower condom use rates.
5. STIs and Unplanned Pregnancies: Decreased condom use among sexually active adolescents can result in an increase in sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Condoms are an effective method of preventing both STIs and unintended pregnancies when used correctly and consistently.