Decline in Condom Use Among Young Americans Raises Health Concerns

Despite availability, fewer teens and young adults are using condoms, contributing to rising STI rates.

Condom usage has significantly declined among teens and young adults, with many opting for long-term birth control and STI prevention drugs like PrEP and doxy PEP.
Public health experts are concerned about the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among people aged 15 to 24, who accounted for half of new cases in 2022.
Shifts in attitudes towards condom use are influenced by a reduced fear of contracting HIV and varying degrees of sex education across states.
Sex education policies differ widely; some states like Mississippi ban condom demonstrations, while others like Oregon offer comprehensive education starting in middle school.
Experts emphasize the continued importance of condoms for STI prevention, noting their affordability, accessibility, and effectiveness when used correctly.