The use of condoms by teenagers in Wales has been declining, according to the World Health Organization. The cause of this trend could potentially be the impact of pornography, OnlyFans, and natural family planning. YMCA sexual health educator Sarah Peart reported that some boys are reluctant to use condoms “because they’re not seeing that in pornography”. Peart added that girls are often targeted on social media by influencers promoting hormone-free, period-tracking apps as a means to avoid pregnancy. Some young people have claimed that OnlyFans creators set poor examples, with some boasting of engaging in sexual activities with numerous partners in a day. Footage has also surfaced of an OnlyFans creator discussing having unprotected oral sex, which carries a risk of HIV transmission.
Peart has said that several young people expressed that their primary form of contraception was natural family planning, yet this approach is not always reliable, particularly since young people are less precise in keeping track of menstrual cycles. The YMCA’s healthy relationship service tries to bridge some of the gaps in young people’s knowledge, while debunking misconceptions, clarifying healthy relationships, and impressing upon young people that pregnancy is not the only danger associated with sexual activity. Peart states that “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 (sexually transmitted infections).”
BBC Wales noted that interviews showed the tension around buying condoms has not eased up as it is still regarded as too mortifying by most young people. When speaking with young people about the matter, most refused to publicly discuss it. Some posited that poor sex education was partly to blame for this trend.
The World Health Organization recently noted a rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) over the past year, with gonorrhea up 127%, chlamydia 22%, and syphilis 14%. Peart mentioned that the YMCA sessions planned for adolescents cover the plethora of birth control methods available; however, lack of knowledge concerning STIs was a national problem that impacted the over-40s who enter into new relationships post-divorce or bereavement. It also revealed that it was about ensuring that people in general take responsibility for their health issues, and avoid contracting STIs and transmitting them
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