This is good news. Teens are using condoms more often, but not consistently — though more condoms are being used for their first experience with sex!
Here are the stats:
It found that the percentage of teen boys using condoms the first time they had sex was 80%, up 9 percentage points from 71% in 2002. The data, based on in-person interviews with 4,662 never-married teens ages 15-19, was collected by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2006-2010 for its National Survey of Family Growth.
Of the 2,284 girls and 2,378 boys surveyed, 43% of girls said they had had sexual intercourse, compared to 51% in 1988. Among boys, 42% in the new survey said they had had intercourse, compared to 60% in 1988.
The responses show high rates of contraceptive use among both sexes the first time they have intercourse (78% of girls, 85% of boys) and the most recent time (86% of girls and 93% of boys). The condom was the most popular contraceptive method, cited by 96% of girls.
Though, we wonder what the real number of those being interviewed are telling the whole truth, as we’re sure some teens are nervous about talking to ANYONE about it.
At that age, reputation is everything. Lies could come from bragging to wanting to hide things. Who knows?
But, that’s probably only a percentage, and wouldn’t much effect the overall better trends we’re seeing.
Using a condom for your first time is great and wonderful, but one should be used EVERY TIME until you’re ready to have kids!
[Image via AP Images.]