TBIDesigns

Teens lack of knowledge about condom use, study suggests

Nearly half of all under age 25 do not use condoms with new partners, according to a new study.

The report by the National Aids Trust also found that more than 200 young people questioned rarely or never used a condom.

The discovery has led the body to call the government to introduce advertising of condoms on television and radio before the nine o’clock watershed.
Trust is also lobbying for the conscience of condoms to form an essential part of compulsory education in all schools.

The call for National Condom Week.

Calling attention

Deborah Jack, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, said: “During the National Week of condoms, the British public needs a wake-up call on condom use.

“Too many people do not know the basic facts about how condoms prevent a sexually transmitted infection like HIV.

“Too many people are not consistent in the way that condom use and too many people to forego condoms in a relationship without health controls, which may harm their health or their sexual partner.

“We must educate the entire population on the importance of condoms.”

Young sex

The Ipsos MORI poll indicates that 49% of Britons do not always use a condom with a new sexual partner.

Approximately 24% of those surveyed who had a new sexual partner in the past two years said they just stop using a condom, once it has been tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Another 17% said that always use a condom.

This leaves more than half - 53% - put at risk of an STI when they stop using condoms in a relationship.

I am seeing more chlamydia, gonorrhea and infections such as HIV and hepatitis
Dr Hari Anhoushka
Doctors say they are seeing more problems in its operations because of this.

GP Anhoushka Hari Newsbeat said they are trying more and more people with sexually transmitted diseases and has also seen an increase in accidental pregnancies.

“I’m seeing more chlamydia, gonorrhea and infections such as HIV and hepatitis,” he says.

“Many of these diseases are silent, so you may be carrying and transmitting a signal without having any of it at all.”

National Condom Week is taking place until May 18.