Condom use by sexually active men has decreased by 9% since 2014, according to the latest data from the WHO.
A “worryingly high” proportion of European teenagers keep unprotected sexincreasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies, according to an urgent new report from the World Health Organization (OMS).
Published on Thursday, the report also states that there has been an “alarming decline” in condom use by teenagers in Europe since 2014.
The proportion of sexually active 15-year-olds who used a condom during their last sexual intercourse fell from 70% to 61% (9%) among boys between 2014 and 2022, and from 63% to 57% (6%) among the girls.
The difference in figures was attributed to the fact that boys are more likely than girls to report using condoms in their last sexual relationship. On the contrary, birth control pill use rates have remained stable.
During the same period, 26% of 15-year-old girls reported using the pill the last time they had sexcompared to 25% of boys who stated that their partners had taken it.
The new data has been made public as part of the WHO Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, which surveyed more than 242,000 15-year-olds from 42 countries and regions over a period of 8 years.
According to the WHO, the study shows that the decline in condom use is “widespread and spreads across multiple countries and regions, with some experiencing more drastic reductions than others.”
“Comprehensive sexual education age appropriateness remains neglected in many countries and, where it exists, has come under increasing attack in recent years under the false premise that it encourages sexual behaviorwhen the truth is that equipping young people with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes linked to responsible behaviors and choices.”
Worrying increase in STDs among the youngest
Kluge concluded that Europe is now “reaping the bitter fruit of these reactionary efforts” by reduce or neglect sexual education and restrict access to contraceptives.
At the beginning of the year, European health authorities warned of a “worrying increase” in number of STD cases.
According to the most recent data from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), gonorrhea cases increased by 48% in 2022, syphilis 34% and chlamydia 16% compared to the previous year.
If not treated, gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause health complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease, pain and infertility. Syphilis can be life-threatening and cause brain problems such as seizures, memory loss and dementia.
The recently published WHO report has highlighted the “importance of providing comprehensive sexuality education and resources for young people,” point out its authors.
“Comprehensive sexuality education is essential to fill these gaps and empower all young people to make informed decisions about sex at a particularly vulnerable time in their lives, in the transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Dr. András Költő, a psychologist at the University of Galway, Ireland, and lead author of the HBSC report.
“Ultimately, what we aim to achieve for young people is a solid foundation for life and love“Kluge added.
