Missoula Measures - Youth Sexual Activity
- Indicator
- Related Data
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Effectiveness of Condoms
- Involuntary Sex
- Unintended Pregnancy
- Related Measures
- Related Websites
Why this topic?
Teens are sexual beings, and adolescence naturally involves sexual thoughts and experimentation. It is important that kids develop healthy sexual behaviors in their teens. But for most kids, sexual intercourse in the teen years is not a part of healthy sexual expression. It is too often linked to other problems such as involuntary sex, sexual abuse, negative peer pressure, and drug and alcohol use. Early initiation of sexual intercourse also exposes young people to a number of potential consequences, including Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and pregnancy. A host of risk and resiliency factors affect the likelihood of kids engaging in sexual intercourse at young ages.
How are we doing?
There appears to be a downward trend in early sexual intercourse. We have seen gradual decreases statewide. In Missoula, specific YRBS data indicates that our results are similar to state tallies. We have also seen a similar decrease in teen pregnancy. The same survey indicates that 29% of adolescents used alcohol before having sex.
Indicator
Montana Youth Risk Behavior Trend Data - Sexual Activity among Missoula High School Students:
Related Data
Sexually Transmitted Infections
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases – Sexually transmitted infections
HIV/AIDS Information Resources
Missoula Measure – Infectious Diseases
Effectiveness of Condoms:
The surest way to avoid transmission of STIs is to abstain from sexual intercourse, or to be in a long term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and you know is uninfected. For persons whose sexual behaviors place them at risk for STIs, correct and consistent use of the male latex condom can significantly reduce the risk of STI transmission. In order to achieve the protective effect of condoms, they must be used correctly and consistently.
Information for Health - Effectiveness of condoms
Involuntary Sex
Montana high school YRBS data:
Unintended Pregnancy and Contraception
Missoula Measure – Teen Pregnancy
Related Measures
Related Websites
Healthy People 2020 - extensive background on national public health status of this topic and many others.
