The emerging European youth are showing a decreasing interest in using condoms before engaging in sexual activities, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). From 2014 to 2022, the number of sexually active teenagers utilizing condoms has significantly decreased, while the rate of unprotected sex remains alarmingly high. This situation leaves young individuals vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancies, according to WHO's cautions.
The declining condom usage among European teenagers is part of a broader health study, involving 15-year-olds from 42 European, Central Asian, and Canadian countries/regions, surveyed every four years between 2014 and 2022. The survey revealed that a substantial number of sexually active participants reported having unprotected sex. For instance, the percentage of boys who used a condom dropped from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022, and from 63% to 57% among girls. Nearly one-third did not employ any form of protection during their last sexual encounter.
The European Union is one of the regions involved in this comprehensive health study. The downward trend in condom usage among the younger generation in Europe, as indicated by the WHO report, could potentially increase the risk of STIs and unwanted pregnancies within this demographic, according to the organization.
Reason behind this trend includes:
- Perceived Reduced Risk: The perceived risk of getting an STI, especially HIV, has dropped. Many people believe that STIs are easily treatable with medication, leading to fewer precautions during sex.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Adolescents from low-income families are more likely to report not using condoms or contraceptive pills during their last sexual encounter compared to their affluent peers.
- Changes in Sexual Behavior: There has been a reduction in condom use, particularly among younger people. Research has shown that sexually active high schoolers in the US and Canada are using condoms 7% less often, a trend mirrored in Europe.
- Lack of Sexual Health Education: There is a need for increased efforts to provide young people with valuable information, secure environments for discussing sexuality and consent, and essential life skills to help them make informed decisions about sex.
- Stigma and Social Behaviors: Stigma towards STIs and social behaviors like chemsex and the use of dating apps can create environments that facilitate casual encounters and increase STI transmission risk.
The potential consequences of this trend include:
- Increased STI Rates: The rise in bacterial STIs like Gonorrhoea and Syphilis is directly linked to the decrease in condom use. These infections can lead to serious health issues, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and long-term heart and nervous system complications.
- Antimicrobial Resistance: The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Gonorrhoea threatens the effectiveness of current treatments, making it crucial to emphasize prevention and promote responsible antibiotic use.
- Public Health Concerns: The ECDC has highlighted the urgent need for increased public awareness, prevention, testing, and treatment efforts to address the growing public health concern of STIs.
- Disproportionate Impact on Young People: Young people, particularly those aged 20-24, are disproportionately affected by STIs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea. This trend underscores the need for targeted interventions in sexual health education and prevention programs.
[1] https://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/98/11/13-045785.pdf [2] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/surveillance-and-trends-sexually-transmitted-infections-europe-2015 [3] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/symptoms/
