Could the influence of pornography, OnlyFans and so-called “natural family planning” techniques explain the drop in teenagers’ use of condoms? YMCA sexual health educator Sarah Peart said some boys were not willing to use them “because they’re not seeing that in pornography”. She said young girls were often “targeted on social media” by those endorsing hormone-free, period-tracking apps to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Young people have also said that controversial OnlyFans adult content creators set poor examples, who made headlines after bragging of having sex with several young men in a day. Footage also emerged of one OnlyFans creator saying she had not used condoms during oral sex, putting her at risk of HIV.
We’ve had multiple young people say “natural family planning” is their main form of contraception, said Ms Peart, adding that the lack of positive role models and influencers was a challenge for those providing sex education. The YMCA sessions at schools, colleges and youth services attempt to inform, bust myths, discuss healthy relationships, but also hammer home the message that pregnancy is not the only risk. It’s such a difficult barrier convincing young people that birth control isn’t enough, and that you do need to protect yourself from STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
The Sexual Health Wales service offers a free test kit for over-16s which can be sent and returned by post or collected from community venues. Sexual health clinics across Wales also provide testing and support. Infections can take several weeks after contact to show up in a test.
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