by Emily Bridges, Director of Public Information Services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research on teen sexual behavior this week.  Researchers examined data from the National Survey on Family Growth, a large survey on how families are created and grow in America, and found that:

• According to their estimates, almost nine million teens in America have ever had sex – 42 percent of males and 43 percent of females.
• Six million are currently sexually active – 31 percent of females and 28 percent of males.
• Many teens used contraception the first time they had sex:  78 percent of males and 85 percent of females.  Many also reported using contraception the most recent time they had sex: 93 percent of males and 86 percent of females used a method at last intercourse.

• Since 2002, significantly more males are using condoms (a nine percent rise), or combined condoms and hormonal contraception (a six percent rise).
• Most teens (70 percent of males and 56 percent of females) were “going steady” with their sexual partners (as opposed to being just friends or having just met).
• Condoms are the most common form of contraception used by teens, followed by withdrawal and the pill.

Here’s what we take from the survey:  the majority of teens are choosing abstinence, but among those who are sexually active, most are using some method of contraception.  That’s great news all around.  Teens know what they want and can make good decisions about their futures.  The best way we can help them is by being open and honest about sex and sexuality, and giving them the information and tools they need to prevent unintended pregnancy, HIV, and STIs.