Takeaways from AP's report on declining condom use among younger generations

Condom usage is down for everyone in the U.S., but researchers say the trend is especially stark among teens and young adults.

A few factors are at play: Medical advancements like long-term birth control options and drugs that prevent sexually transmitted infections; a fading fear of contracting HIV; and widely varying degrees of sex education in high schools.

Though this might not spell the end of condoms, public health experts are thinking about how to help younger generations have safe sex, be aware of their options – including condoms – and get regular STI tests.

“Old condom ads were meant to scare you, and all of us were scared for the longest time,” said Dr. Joseph Cherabie, medical director of the St. Louis HIV Prevention Training Center. “Now we’re trying to move away from that and focus more on what works for you.”