Majority of Teens Skip the Contraceptive Pill During Sex

Aug 30 2024

A large number of teens aren’t using the contraceptive pill during sex, with 57% of boys and 68% of girls saying they didn’t use it the last time they had sex. Additionally, 18% of boys and 6% of girls were uncertain if they or their partner used the pill. In countries like Greece and Slovakia, less than 10% of teens used the pill, while in places like the Netherlands and Belgium, more than 50% reported using it.

Between 2014 and 2022, pill use stayed about the same, with no big difference between boys and girls- 26% of girls and 25% of boys said they used the pill. Teens in countries with more gender equality were more likely to use the pill, especially girls. The highest rates of pill use were in the Netherlands (61% for girls ) and Belgium (50% for boys). The lowest rates were in Greece, Slovakia, and Greenland, where fewer than 10% used the pill.

Teens from wealthier families were more likely to use the pill, but overall, there hasn’t been much change in the past few years. Some boys might confuse the contraceptive pill with other methods girls might be using.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Reports First Case of MPOX

Aug 30 2024

Health authorities in Malta have confirmed an imported case of Mpox, transmitted through sexual contact. The patient, currently in stable condition, does not require hospitalization and has been placed in isolation. Contact tracing is underway to prevent further spread.

The specific clade of the virus involved has not yet been identified, creating some uncertainty about its characteristics. However, officials are urging the public to take preventive measures, including practicing safe sex, discussing sexual health with partners, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and maintaining good hygiene, such as regular hand washing. Anyone with symptoms or contact with a confirmed case is advised to seek medical attention promptly.

Mpox is an infectious disease that can spread from animals to humans or through close human contact. It causes fever, muscle aches, and large, boil-like lesions. A global outbreak in 2022, driven by the clade 2b subclade, primarily affected gay and bisexual men, leading the WHO to declare a public health emergency, which ended in May 2023.

A new, more severe clade 1b subclade has since emerged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), raising concerns due to its higher fatality rate.

#MaltaDaily

Neil Agius Suffers Worst Jellyfish Sting, Suspects Box Jellyfish

Aug 30 2024

“Neil Agius, an ex-Olympian and current world record holder for the longest unassisted ocean swim, was stung by a jellyfish, which he described as ‘one of the worst stings to date,’ during his longest training session, a 24-hour swim.

Agius revealed the sting in a video he posted, showing how the jellyfish’s tentacle had wrapped around his body, leaving marks across his abdomen, back, and arm.

The swimmer suspects the culprit to be a box jellyfish, recently spotted in Birżebbuġa, which may have been swept to the east side of Gozo by the currents.”

#MaltaDaily

One In Five 15-Year Old Boys Having Sex

Aug 29 2024

In a study conducted by the World Health Organization, it was revealed that on average one in the year 2022 in five 15-year old boys have had and are actively having sexual intercourse.

The report also found that one in seven 15-year old girls were reported having sex, in the year 2022. The study overall showed that boys were more likely to have sexual intercourse at a younger age than girls.

It was also revealed in the study that while the overall prevalence of sexual activity has remained relatively stable since 2014, boys have shown a slight decline in recent years.

Interesting data also found that 15-year old boys from more affluent families were more likely to report to having sexual intercourse, whilst girls from low-affluence families were more likely to respond to having sex.

The survey was conducted in 2022 and involved several 15-year old students from 42 countries and regions around the world.

#MaltaDaily