The study, drawing on data from the National Survey of Family Growth spanning the years 2015 to 2019, reveals a decline in the rate of sexual activity among adolescents, particularly boys.
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights significant trends in the sexual behavior of teenagers and young adults in the United States
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) findings, 38.7% of boys and 40.5% of girls aged 15 to 19 engaged in heterosexual, vaginal sex before marriage during the specified period. Notably, there has been a decrease in the percentage of sexually active boys since 2015, when 44% reported having had sex. Girls’ sexual activity, while more consistent over time, also experienced an overall drop in 2019 compared to earlier years.
Contraceptive use among young adults has seen a positive shift, with nearly 4 out of 5 teenage girls using contraception in their first heterosexual encounter. Moreover, over 90% of teenage boys reported using contraception during their initial sexual experience with a female.
The study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which included interviews with more than 21,000 individuals, including over 3,800 teenage boys and girls, aimed to provide comprehensive information on sexual activity, contraception practices, and childbearing experiences.
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For instance, approximately 874,000 teenage girls reported not using contraception during their first sexual encounter with a male. The reasons provided by teenagers for abstaining from sex varied, with religious or moral beliefs, the search for the right partner, and avoidance of pregnancy being prominent factors.
The report also delved into disparities in sexual activity based on race and ethnicity. Differences were observed among Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic white teenagers. Additionally, the study highlighted changes in contraceptive methods, with an increase in the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives among teenage girls and shifts in condom use among boys.
Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report sheds light on evolving trends in teenage sexual behavior and contraception practices, underscoring the importance of ongoing research and education to address health risks and promote responsible choices among young adults.
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