Young people having unprotected sex at an alarming rate

The best way to avoid developing a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is by practicing safe sex. Unfortunately, a recent worldwide study endorsed by International Non-Governmental Organizations has found that young people are not following this simple advice, and are putting themselves at risk for contracting a variety of infections. Following World Contraceptive Day, which was September 26th, it's important to realize the growing need to increase awareness of the importance of using protection.

The study involved 26 countries and found that 53 percent of American young people admit to engaging in sex with a new partner without using contraception. Furthermore, the survey discovered that one in 20 adolescent girls contract a bacterial infection from sex each year.

“What the results show is that too many young people either lack good knowledge about sexual health, do not feel empowered enough to ask for contraception or have not learned the skills to negotiate contraceptive use with their partners to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies or STDs," said Jennifer Woodside of the International Planned Parenthood Federation.

These findings suggest that more education efforts need to be made to ensure that young people know how to protect themselves against STDs and are making responsible sexual decisions.