Keep Using Condoms! Safety is Sexy!
In an era of amazing advances in contraception, it is easy to forget one of the most powerful tools in sexual health: the condom. But the latest evidence shows that condom use is slipping, especially among younger people, and the consequences are real.
Why condoms still matter
While long acting birth control methods like the pill, IUDs and implants are excellent for preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms remain the only widely available method that offers protection against both pregnancy and many STIs.
STIs affect millions of people worldwide. They have serious consequences for sexual and reproductive health, including cancers, pregnancy complications and infertility.
Some STIs, including HPV, are linked to cervical cancer and throat cancers that can occur from oral sex.
Consistent condom use has also been shown to lower the risk of infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Using condoms is not only about preventing pregnancy. It is about safeguarding long term health.
The worrying trend
Global and regional findings
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report showed that condom use among adolescents has declined in many countries. Among 15 year olds between 2014 and 2022, the percentage of boys reporting condom use at last intercourse dropped from about 70 percent to about 61 percent. For girls, the number fell from about 63 percent to about 57 percent.
Around one third of adolescents reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill the last time they had sex.
These findings point to a growing gap in protective behaviour.
Canadian statistics
Canada is experiencing similar patterns.
A national study found that among 15 to 24 year olds who had sex in the past year, about 60 percent used a condom the last time they had intercourse.
Importantly, about one fifth of young people reported using neither a condom nor another form of contraception at their most recent sexual encounter.
According to Statistics Canada, condom use at last intercourse among people aged 15 to 24 is also around 60 percent.
This means a significant number of young Canadians are engaging in sex without protection. With global trends also moving downward, this signals a need for renewed education and awareness.
Why is condom use declining?
Several factors contribute to the drop in condom use:
• A lower sense of urgency about STIs
• Beliefs that condoms reduce pleasure
• Cost and inconvenience
• Increased reliance on non barrier methods such as the pill or IUDs
• Inconsistent or limited comprehensive sexuality education
Many people now focus only on preventing pregnancy and forget about infection risks. Meanwhile, long acting contraception has become more popular, but these methods do not prevent STIs.
The stakes are high
STIs are extremely common. WHO estimates that more than one million curable STIs are acquired every day among people aged 15 to 49.
HPV is associated with more than 311,000 cervical cancer deaths each year around the world.
Oral sex can transmit STIs, including HPV, which may increase the risk of throat cancers.
Unplanned pregnancies and unsafe abortions also create serious health risks.
This makes consistent condom use an essential part of staying healthy.
What can you do
For individuals
Use condoms every time. They reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs during vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Talk openly with your partner about sexual health, STI history and testing.
Get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Many STIs do not show symptoms.
Do not rely only on non barrier methods like the pill or IUD. These do not protect against infections.
Learn and share accurate information so younger people feel empowered to make safe choices.
Seek medical advice if you notice unusual discharge, sores, discomfort or any concerning symptoms.
For parents and guardians
• Start conversations early about healthy relationships and safe sex
• Offer your teen a safe, non judgemental space to ask questions
• Remind them that condoms protect against more than pregnancy
• Encourage them to speak with a healthcare professional who can give clear, evidence based guidance
A safe space for your teen
If you want your teen to have reliable and judgement free information about sexual health, you can book a consultation with one of our MAUD Physicians. These visits give teens a trusted environment to ask questions, learn about STI prevention, understand condom use and become confident in their choices.
Start the conversation now. Support your teen in building healthy habits that will protect them for years to come.
Bottom line
Safety is sexy. Staying informed, staying connected and using condoms consistently are powerful ways to protect yourself and others. The decline in condom use is not just a health trend. It is a reminder that education, communication and protection matter more than ever.
If you are ready to take action, book an appointment for your teen today. Giving them a safe place to learn about sexual health is one of the most impactful steps you can take as a parent.
