Nearly a third of 15-year-olds reported not using either a condom or a contraceptive pill the last time they had sexual activity.
The World Health Organization has expressed concern and worries about the alarming decline in the use of condoms and other contraceptives among adolescents, which may have consequences such as higher rates of sexually transmitted infections and higher health care costs.
Nearly a third of 15-year-olds reported not using either a condom or a birth control pill the last time they were sexually active, according to a new study.
According to the research, adolescents, mostly from poor or low-income families, were more likely to have reported not using a condom. Across Europe, condom use among girls was lowest in Albania (24%) and highest in Serbia (81%). For boys, the lowest rate was recorded in Sweden (43%) and the highest in Switzerland (77%).
However, experts said unprotected sex among the school-aged children they surveyed was a very worrying problem across Europe. According to WHO, the research data was published as part of the multi-part study Health Behaviour in School-aged Children, which surveyed more than 242,000 adolescents in 42 countries and regions.
Health consequences of unprotected sex
WHO warns that not using contraception and having unprotected sex can have far-reaching consequences for young people, including unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and an increased risk of contracting STIs.
The high prevalence of unprotected sex indicates significant gaps in age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education, including sexual health education and access to contraception.
“While the report’s findings are discouraging, they are not surprising,” said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, in a statement. “Comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education continues to be neglected in many countries and, where available, has come under increasing attack in recent years under the false premise that it encourages sexual behaviour, when in fact equipping young people with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes linked to responsible behaviour and decisions,” said Dr Kluge.
“We need immediate and sustained action, backed by data and evidence, to stop this cascade of negative outcomes, including the likelihood of higher rates of STIs, increased health care costs and, not least, the disruption of education and career paths for young people who do not receive the timely information and support they need,” added Dr. Kluge.
What are STIs?
According to experts, you can get STDs through any type of sexual activity that involves your mouth, anus, vagina, or penis. There are several types of STDs, and their most common symptoms include burning, itching, or discharge in the genital area. Some STDs are asymptomatic, meaning you may not have any symptoms at all.
Sexually transmitted infections are highly contagious, and if you are sexually active, you can have an STI without even knowing it.
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