Failure to use contraception

The younger the respondent at the time of first intercourse, the greater the likelihood that first intercourse will be unprotected. Nearly half of young women and more than half of young men who have intercourse before the age of 16 report no method used either by themselves or by a partner. This proportion falls to 32 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men aged 16 and over at first intercourse (Wellings, 1994).

There are several reasons for failure to protect early intercourse. Neglect may reflect a reluctance to seek contraceptive supplies or advice for an act which, if it involves a young woman under the age of 16, is against the law. Issues relating to lack of self esteem and confidence are therefore important determinants of usage (Christopher, 1992). Alternately, failure to protect intercourse might reflect the sporadic nature of sexual activity in this age group. The pill requires continuing motivation and some teenagers lead disorganised lives so that they find it difficult to take it regularly. The suggestion is made by some that failure to protect intercourse may be partly attributable to the lack of a suitable script on the part of women. Whilst some women are confident enough to insist on condoms being used others, especially younger women, are less sure of themselves and struggle to know what to say if the man offered any resistance to a suggestion that he should wear a condom (Davis and Kent,1992).

Contact: Kerry Neilson , TMAP secretariat, kerry.neilson@ppa.co.uk, 0207 400 7520

Teenage Magazine Arbitration Panel (TMAP)
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