A LACK of knowledge about contraception and sexually transmissible infections, apathy toward sexual health matters and immaturity in decision-making is placing young men and their partners at greater risk of disease and unplanned parenthood, new research says.
The study, to be presented by Melbourne University director of research training in general practice Meredith Temple-Smith at the Andrology Australia Men’s Health conference in Launceston this week, suggests young men’s lack of concern stems from a sense of invulnerability and not knowing that STIs can be symptomless.
Up to half of all Year 10-12 students are sexually active, yet only one in four believes they are at risk of an STI. In Australia, 75 per cent of STI diagnoses occur within the 15-29 age group.
According to Associate Professor Temple-Smith, fewer than 10 per cent of Australian GPs take a sexual history from young heterosexual patients. Female GPs are more likely to do this, but most young men prefer male GPs.
Associate Professor Temple-Smith said risky behaviour peaked at around 15 to 16 years of age, with the cognitive centres responsible for impulse control not fully mature until about 25.
The research team interviewed more than 40 men aged between 16 and 25 from two tertiary institutions in Victoria.
There was a variable level of knowledge about contraception and STIs, ranging from over-estimating the efficacy of condoms, to being unaware of the meaning of the term contraception.
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