The decline in condom use among adolescents in Europe raises concerns about the consequences for their sexual and reproductive health.
- WHO records significant decline in condom use among young people in Europe.
- This situation leads to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
- The lack of sex education is singled out by the WHO as one of the causes of the decline in the use of condoms.
According to a recent report by WHO Europe, condom use among adolescents has declined significantly over the past decade. This trend is worrying experts because it is associated with an increase in unprotected sex, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. The figures show a marked decline in the use of condoms and contraceptive pills, with an alarming number of adolescents not using any method of protection during intimate relations.
Unprotected sex linked to lack of sex education
The report highlights that the proportion of boys reporting having used a condom during their last sexual intercourse has fallen from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. Similarly, the share of adolescent girls who have used a condom has fallen from 63% to 57% over the same period. This reality highlights a deficit in sexuality education, according to WHO, which stresses the crucial importance of adequate awareness-raising to prevent these risks and encourage responsible behaviour among young people.
Unwanted pregnancies and increase in STIs
In addition to the immediate risks of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, the lack of effective sexual health education programs leads, according to the WHO, to increased health care costs and disrupts the educational and professional trajectories of young people. Thus, investing in comprehensive and appropriate sexuality education appears to be an essential lever to guarantee the health and well-being of adolescents.
The importance of sex education for the future of adolescents
By neglecting sexuality education for adolescents, society risks compromising their health and future. Openly addressing issues of sexuality and contraception is essential to enable young people to make informed and responsible decisions. The consequences of insufficient sexuality education have repercussions on public health and individual well-being, highlighting the need to act proactively to fill this gap.
Raising awareness among young people about responsible behavior
The alarming decline in condom use among adolescents in Europe highlights the critical need to strengthen sexuality education programmes. Addressing this deficit can reduce the risks of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and improve the overall health of young people. Raising awareness and providing adolescents with the tools to adopt responsible sexual and reproductive health behaviours is essential.
