The use of condoms or contraceptive pills among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly over the past 10 years.
In August 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned about an "alarming decline" in the use of condoms among sexually active teens. The organization cited a study wherein researchers found that nearly 30% of 15-year-old teens did not use a condom or a contraceptive pill in their last intercourse. The use of condoms, specifically, fell from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls.
For teens who did use contraception, they were more likely to choose a pill over a condom.
What Causes the Decline in Condom Usage Among Teens?
The experts in the study attributed the decline in condom usage to a lack of proper sex education and reduced access to contraceptive methods.
"While the report's findings are dismaying, they are not surprising," Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, noted. "Age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education remains neglected in many countries, and where it is available, it has increasingly come under attack in recent years on the false premise that it encourages sexual behavior when the truth is that equipping young persons with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes linked to responsible behavior and choices."
However, YMCA sexual health educator Sarah Peart blames pornography for the decline in condom usage, adding that some boys were not willing to use condoms because they don't see that in videos online, she told BBC News.
A May 2024 study echoes Peart's statement, with researchers finding that adolescents who frequently viewed pornography were more likely to have negative attitudes toward condom use.
How Do Condoms Protect Users?
Condoms are highly effective in protecting users against unwanted pregnancies when used correctly and consistently. According to statistics, male condoms are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy, while female condoms are 95% effective, per WHO.
Condoms also reduce the risk of STIs, HPV-associated diseases, and HIV during intercourse by acting as a barrier to genital secretions and skin-to-skin contact.
Compared to other contraceptive methods, condoms are easily accessible as they do not require a prescription. There are also no side effects for most users.
