Every Third Teenager Finds It Hard to Buy Condoms. And It's Not Only Because of the Pandemic

Have you ever wondered how easy it is for a teenager to see a doctor, get tested, or simply buy condoms? It turns out that it's a whole quest, and it hasn't become easier even after the world has recovered from COVID-19. We used to think that the problem is only about money or age, but new research shows that even seemingly well-off teenagers face barriers that prevent them from taking care of their health.

Scientists surveyed more than 1,700 teenagers aged 13–17 and asked them to rate how difficult it was for them to access contraception, HIV and other STI tests, condoms, and doctor consultations. The answers were collected retrospectively—for three periods: before the pandemic, at its peak, and in the last couple of months before the survey.

Before the pandemic, a third of teenagers (30%) already complained that they could not freely obtain contraceptives, and 29% had difficulties with condoms. When COVID-19 began, things got worse: 37% for both contraception and condoms. The worst was with doctor appointments: difficulties rose from 17% to 42%. Do you think everything returned to normal after the pandemic? Not at all. Difficulties with contraception and HIV/STI testing barely decreased—38% and 37%, respectively. As for condoms and doctors, it got a bit easier, but still remained higher than in pre-pandemic times.

Why is this so? Surely, there is fear of judgment, plain ignorance of where to go, and even closed school clinics. When the world shut down due to the virus, clinics worked intermittently, but even after the return to normal life, teenagers do not seem to feel more confident. The authors of the study honestly warn that their conclusions are based on what the teenagers themselves reported, not on objective medical records. Nevertheless, the picture is alarming.

Perhaps you think: "What do I care? I'm an adult." But if you have children, nephews, or younger friends, this topic concerns you too. Because if a teenager finds it hard to buy condoms or get tested, they might simply give up on it. And the consequences—unwanted pregnancy or hidden infections—are not good for anyone.

What can be done? First, simply talk to your teenagers about where and how they can get help. Explain that seeing a gynecologist or urologist is nothing to be ashamed of, and anonymous STI testing is normal. Second, support initiatives that make services more accessible: school programs, youth clinics, online services. After all, the easier it is for teenagers to get help, the healthier our society will be as a whole.