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CDC reports decrease in teen intercourse rate over past 25 years

Since 1988, the percentage of teenagers who have experienced sexual intercourse has significantly decreased, according to a data brief from the CDC.

Researchers used data from the National Health Interview Survey of Family Growth to assess changes and trends in sexual activity, contraception and childbearing among teens aged 15 to 19 years from 2011 through 2013.

Results demonstrated a significant decrease in sexual intercourse among teens over the past 25 years.

Between 2011 and 2013, 44% of girls and 47% of boys had experienced sexual intercourse, down by 14% and 22%, respectively, since 1988.

At ages 15 and 16, boys were much more likely to have had sex, compared with girls. However, at age 17, no difference in likelihood of sexual intercourse was seen between genders. 

Seventy-nine percent of girls and 84% of boys reported using some form of birth control during their first experience having sex.

Teens aged 18 to 19 years were much more likely to use contraception during their first sexual experience (93%), compared with those aged 17 and under (77%).

Overall, condoms were the most used form of birth control among teens aged 15 to 19 years.

Girls between the ages of 17 and 19 years who did not use contraception during intercourse were 3 to 5 times more likely to have a child, compared with girls who used contraception.

“Understanding these patterns and trends in sexual activity, contraceptive use, and their impact on teen pregnancy can help provide context regarding the recent decline in the U.S. teen birth rate,” the researchers concluded. – by Casey Hower