Changing Trends: Teenagers Embrace Contraception, Shifting Sexual Behaviors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report showing a decline in sexual activity among teenagers, with fewer teens having sex and a drop in the rate among boys. However, the use of contraception has increased among young adults. The study found that nearly four out of five teenage girls used contraception during their first sexual encounter, and over 90% of teenage boys did the same. While the report suggests a reduced risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, concerns remain as a significant number of teenage girls reported not using any contraception during their first sexual encounter. Reasons for abstaining from sex varied, with religious or moral beliefs and not finding the right partner being common factors. The report also highlighted racial and ethnic differences in sexual activity.