Statement on WHO Regional Office for Europe revealing high rates of condomless sex among adolescents

02 September 2024 (Last updated: 2 Sep 2024 08:49)

BASHH is concerned by the findings of the recent report from the WHO Regional Office for Europe, which highlights a decline in the use of condoms among sexually active adolescents across the region. The report finds that the proportion of sexually active adolescents who used a condom at last intercourse fell from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022. This means that these groups are at greater risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies, and underscores the importance of providing comprehensive relationships and sex education (RSE) for young people, as well as maintaining access to integrated sexual health services for comprehensive STI and Contraception care. In addition, it is vital to address barriers related to stigma in order to enable young people to feel confident and supported to access condoms freely.

While RSE provision in the UK has improved, there are still significant gaps which need to be addressed. It is vital that young people have access to sexual health services and outreach teams, providing holistic advice on all aspects of sexual wellbeing, including sexual safety and autonomy as well as sexual pleasure. This must include accurate information about STIs, contraception, and consent, but also different cultural perspectives on relationships and sex. It is important that such education raises issues relevant to young people in the LGBTQ+ community, outlines how to access local sexual health services, addresses power imbalances, and encourages open dialogue about pornography. 

BASHH reiterates that using a condom when having sex, particularly when having sex with new partners, is the most effective way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Regular testing for STIs is also an essential component to gaining quick treatment, if needed, and preventing onward transmission. Condoms can be collected for free at local NHS sexual health services, in addition to being widely available for purchase in major supermarkets.