During the congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), American doctors revealed figures concerning the use of contraception among 15-19 year olds.
- From 1995 to 2020, a global decline in births, from 31% to 19%, was observed among adolescent girls.
- This is explained by an increase in contraceptive use among girls, from 17.8% in 2000-2006 to 27.2% in 2013-2017.
- However, rates among young people are low compared to women aged 20 to 34 due to the age at which they become pregnant, fears about side effects and a lack of skills among health professionals .
“Over the past 25 years, from 1995 to 2020, there has been a global drop in teenage births.” This was stated on October 10 by Dr. James Kiarie, who heads the Contraception and Fertility Care Unit in the Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at the World Organization. of Health (WHO). During the congress of the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO)which is currently taking place in Paris, the specialist explained that this drop in births was linked to a reduction in child marriages, “going from 31% to 19%”.
Contraceptive use increased from 17.8% to 27.2% among adolescents
Another reason: the increased use of contraceptives among young people. “Among adolescents aged 15 to 19, the use of contraceptive methods increased from 17.8% in 2000-2006 to 27.2% in 2013-2017. This is good news, but the rates are lower higher than among adult women aged 20 to 34. According to the data, their use of contraceptives increased from 30.9% in 2000-2006 to 40.3% in 2013-2017. This use was systematically higher among adults during the three survey cycles”, detailed Dr. James Kiarie.
Contraception: why are rates lower among young people?
According to the specialist, rates of contraceptive use are lower among adolescent girls, because they become pregnant more often at a very young age, sometimes due to the pressure they face to marry and have children.
In many places, girls do not have easy access to contraception. Even when they can get it, they don’t always, “due to laws and regulations”, the resources to pay for them, nor the knowledge to know where to obtain and use them correctly. “In addition, many of them stop or do not take contraception, because they are afraid of the side effects. The most mentioned fear is that linked to problems conceiving a child later.” said the director of the contraception and fertility care unit.
Another point raised: the quality of services. “Sometimes, the health professionals with whom adolescent girls come into contact are not sufficiently trained and do not have the necessary skills to advise and guide them.”