The Los Angeles Post
California & Local U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: January 23, 2025
Today: January 23, 2025

Experts warn of STI surge as young people abandon safe sex practices

Decline in Condom Use Among European TeenagersWHO warns of alarming decline in condom use among European teens. Study reveals 1 in 3 don't use protection, raising concerns about STDs and unplanned pregnancies.
September 06, 2024
Jasmin Jose - LA Post

A recent study has revealed that 30% of fifteen-year-olds reported using neither a condom nor a contraceptive pill during their last sexual encounter, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to issue a warning about an "alarming decline" in condom use among adolescents.

The WHO's European office reports that condom use among sexually active adolescents has significantly decreased across Europe over the past decade. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, expressed deep concern over these findings.

The study uncovered significant variations in condom use across different countries. Among girls, usage rates ranged from a low of 24% in Albania to a high of 81% in Serbia. For boys, Sweden reported the lowest rate at 43%, while Switzerland had the highest at 77%.

Researchers found that adolescents from lower-income families were less likely to use protection. This lack of contraceptive use could lead to serious consequences, including increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, higher healthcare costs, and potentially compromised futures for young people.

Dr. Kluge told the New York Post of the urgent need for action, stating, "We need immediate and sustained action, underpinned by data and evidence, to halt this cascade of negative outcomes, including the likelihood of higher STI rates, increased healthcare costs, and – not least – disrupted education and career paths for young persons who do not receive the timely information and support they need."

Dr. Kluge stressed the urgent need for action, stating, "We need immediate and sustained action, underpinned by data and evidence, to halt this cascade of negative outcomes, including the likelihood of higher STI rates, increased healthcare costs, and – not least – disrupted education and career paths for young persons who do not receive the timely information and support they need."

This issue isn't limited to Europe. Health officials in the United States have also expressed alarm over rising STI rates, describing the situation as "out of control" as people of all ages increasingly forego condom use.

Related

Business|Economy|Finance|Health|Political|Stock Markets|US

Biopharma industry eyes 2025 bounceback, grapples with uncertainty over Trump return

The biopharmaceutical industry is aiming for a 2025 reversal of last year's slump in investor returns but remains wary over what President-elect Donald

Biopharma industry eyes 2025 bounceback, grapples with uncertainty over Trump return
Arts|Crime|Entertainment|Lifestyle|US

Al Capone called it his sweetheart. The pistol that saved his life is coming to Vegas

A rare glimpse into mobster Al Capone’s home life will be on display in a new exhibit at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas

Al Capone called it his sweetheart. The pistol that saved his life is coming to Vegas
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets

Mason Capital complains about Grifols' transparency to Spanish regulator

U.S.-based investment fund Mason Capital said on Monday it had sent a letter to Spain's stock market regulator CNMV demanding more transparency from the embattled pharmaceutical

Mason Capital complains about Grifols' transparency to Spanish regulator
Asia|Political|World

Chinese military delegation to visit Japan in mid-January

Representatives from China's military will visit Japan in mid-January as agreed by both countries, to enhance mutual "understanding and trust", the Chinese defence ministry said on

Chinese military delegation to visit Japan in mid-January
Share This

Popular

Business|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets|Technology

Global industrial, tech stocks rally on Trump's AI investment push

Global industrial, tech stocks rally on Trump's AI investment push
Business|Economy|Europe|Finance|Stock Markets

STOXX 600 closes at near four-month high as markets brush aside tariff concerns

STOXX 600 closes at near four-month high as markets brush aside tariff concerns
Arts|Election|Entertainment|Political|US

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, who else sang the national anthem at presidential inaugurations?

From Beyoncé to Lady Gaga, who else sang the national anthem at presidential inaugurations?
Asia|Business|Political|Technology|US

US blacklists Chinese companies over TSMC chips in Huawei processor

US blacklists Chinese companies over TSMC chips in Huawei processor