Condom Use Among Teens: The Unsettling Reason Behind the Decline
A Sexual Health Expert’s Warning
Condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly over the past decade, according to studies. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about an "alarming decline" in condom use among youngsters, which is expected to lead to higher STI rates and increased healthcare costs.
The Alarming Decline in Condom Use
Researchers revealed that almost a third of 15-year-olds (30%) reported using neither a condom nor a contraceptive pill the last time they were sexually active. If they did use a form of contraception, they were less likely to use a condom than a pill.
The Experts’ Take
The experts explained that a lack of sexual education and diminished access to contraceptive methods are to blame for the troublesome trend. However, one sex educator has now argued that pornography and OnlyFans also appear to be influencing teens to skip using condoms when having sex.
The Unsettling Reason Behind the Trend
YMCA sexual health educator Sarah Peart told the BBC that some boys were not using condoms "because they’re not seeing that in pornography" and noted that "OnlyFans does sometimes come up as a strand of that." She warned that young women are also being "targeted on social media" by ads for period-tracking apps and those promoting "natural family planning."
The Consequences of This Trend
The expert warned that these methods are not always reliable, especially at that age when maybe periods aren’t regular and young people don’t tend to be the most strict with keeping notes. "It’s such a difficult barrier convincing young people that birth control isn’t enough, and that you do need to protect yourself from STIs," Peart said.
The Rise of Life-Threatening STIs
The issue isn’t only rising among adolescents, according to health officials in the US, who have been warning that the rise of life-threatening sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is "out of control" as people of all ages are ditching condoms. Dr. Nima Majlesi, Director of Medical Toxicology at Staten Island University Hospital, stated that public health messages have "de-emphasized" the importance of safe sex in recent years.
Conclusion
The decline in condom use among teens is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. As experts, we must address the lack of sexual education and access to contraceptive methods. Moreover, we must also acknowledge the influence of pornography and OnlyFans on young people’s sexual behaviors. By providing accurate information and promoting healthy choices, we can work towards a safer and healthier future for our youth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main reason behind the decline in condom use among teens?
A: A lack of sexual education and diminished access to contraceptive methods, as well as the influence of pornography and OnlyFans.
Q: What are some of the consequences of this trend?
A: Higher STI rates and increased healthcare costs.
Q: What can be done to address this issue?
A: Providing accurate information and promoting healthy choices, as well as addressing the lack of sexual education and access to contraceptive methods.
Q: What is the current state of STIs in the US?
A: The rise of life-threatening STIs is "out of control" as people of all ages are ditching condoms.
