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Concern for offspring: Decline in condom use among young people
The WHO reports that teenagers in Europe are using condoms less often, leading to an increase in unprotected sex.
Concern for offspring: Decline in condom use among young people
The current study by the World Health Organization (WHO) sheds worrying light on the sexual behavior of young people in Europe. According to the report, which was published recently, fewer and fewer young Europeans are using condoms before engaging in sexual relationships. This development could have alarming public health implications, as declines in condom use are linked to increased rates of unprotected sexual intercourse. The WHO warns urgently about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
In a comprehensive study conducted between 2014 and 2022, tens of thousands of 15-year-olds from 42 European and Central Asian countries and Canada were surveyed. The survey shows that not only has the use of condoms declined, but protection from other contraceptives is also often lacking. In particular, around 30 percent of those surveyed said that they did not use condoms or the contraceptive pill the last time they had sexual intercourse.
Changes in condom use
The data shows that the proportion of boys who used a condom during their last sexual intercourse fell from 70 percent in 2014 to 61 percent in 2022. The situation is similar for girls: here the proportion fell from 63 to 57 percent. The findings are not only important for the young people affected, but also present a worrying development that could point to deeper societal problems.
A look at Germany shows that condom use is average here. In 2022, 59 percent of young people said they had used a condom the last time they had sex - significantly fewer than in 2014. Compared to other European countries, however, the use of the pill among German young people is remarkably high. Only 16 percent of girls and 23 percent of boys in Germany said they did not use either the pill or condom. Austria and Switzerland perform even better in this respect.
The role of sex education
The WHO highlights that the report's findings highlight significant deficiencies in sex education. The fact that age-appropriate education is neglected in many countries is alarming, says WHO Regional Director Hans Kluge. Where sex education is offered, it is often criticized as some believe it encourages sexual behavior rather than being preventative.
A comprehensive education system is seen as the key to safe and informed decision-making during this sensitive period of life. András Költo, one of the report's lead authors, emphasizes the importance of information on issues such as consent, intimate relationships, gender identity and sexual orientation. Young people not only need access to the right information, but also safe spaces to discuss these topics openly.