“Alarming decline” in contraceptive use prompts WHO warning

Finish it, Zoomers!

The World Health Organization has issued a warning about an “alarming decline” in condom use among teenagers that is expected to lead to a long list of consequences, including higher rates of STIs and increased health care costs.

A recent study found that almost a third of 15-year-olds (30%) reported that they had used neither condoms nor birth control pills the last time they were sexually active.

If they used a form of contraception, they were less likely to use a condom than the pill.

Condom use among sexually active adolescents has declined significantly over the past decade.

Adolescents from poorer, or “low-wealth” families were more likely to report not using a condom.

Condom use among girls was lowest in Albania (24%) and highest in Serbia (81%). For boys, the lowest rate was found in Sweden (43%), while the highest rate was in Switzerland (77%).

However, experts warned that the “worrying” trend of unprotected sex among school-aged children they surveyed appeared to be a “widespread” issue across Europe.

This has put an alarming amount of young people at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

The issue is likely to have “far-reaching consequences” including an increase in unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions and an increased risk of contracting STIs across the continent.

“While the report’s findings are concerning, they are not surprising,” Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said in a statement.

Experts explained that lack of sex education and access to contraceptive methods along with a concerted effort to block sex education has led to this shocking health crisis.

“Comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education remains neglected in many countries, and where it is available, it has been increasingly attacked in recent years on the false premise that it encourages sexual behavior, when the truth is that the equipment of young people with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes associated with responsible behavior and choices,” said Dr. Kluge.

The WHO issued the latest warning noting an “urgent need” to address the situation.

“We need immediate and sustained action, supported by data and evidence, to stop this cascade of negative outcomes, including the possibility of higher rates of STIs, increased health care costs and ” no less – cutting off education and career paths for young people”. people who do not receive the information and support in time they need”, warned Dr. Kluge.

“Ultimately, what we’re trying to achieve for young people is a solid foundation for life and love.”

But this is not just an issue limited to Europe.

Health officials in the US have warned that the rise in life-threatening sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is “out of control” as people of all ages ditch condoms.