In recent years, the UK has seen a notable rise in Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), and many experts are pointing the finger at a surprising culprit — the declining use of condoms among Gen Z. While this generation is often praised for being progressive and informed, when it comes to sexual health, there’s a dangerous gap between knowledge and behavior.
This isn’t just a minor cultural shift; it’s a growing public health concern. As sexual activity continues to evolve with technology and social norms, so must our conversations about protection, responsibility, and community care.
Understanding Gen Z’s Mindset on Protection
For a generation that grew up amid sex-positive content, progressive ideals, and digital health resources, it seems contradictory that condom use would decline. But understanding Gen Z’s approach to sex reveals a more nuanced picture. Many young people today believe that long-term birth control methods like IUDs and implants are enough—focusing primarily on pregnancy prevention rather than STD protection. Some view condoms as outdated or uncomfortable.
Others associate condom use with a lack of trust or emotional connection in a relationship, especially in casual hookups where clear boundaries are often missing. The cultural normalization of “raw sex” in media and porn also plays a role, subtly influencing perceptions and behaviors around protection.
Rising STD Rates and Why the UK Should Worry
The consequence of declining condom use is already visible in NHS data. The UK has reported a significant spike in STDs, especially among people aged 16 to 24. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and syphilis cases have seen a sharp increase over the past two years. Gonorrhoea diagnoses alone rose by nearly 50% in this age group.
What’s even more worrying is that many STDs remain asymptomatic, meaning that young people may unknowingly transmit infections to partners, amplifying the cycle. The stigma surrounding STDs still exists, which means fewer people are talking about their status, getting tested, or notifying past partners after a positive diagnosis.
Casual Hookups, Dating Apps, and the “No Strings” Norm
One cannot ignore the role dating apps play in shaping today’s sexual culture. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Grindr have normalized casual sex, making it easier to meet new partners frequently. While this has empowered many to explore their sexuality, it also presents a challenge: hookups are happening faster than conversations about sexual health.
Often, there’s little time—or comfort—to ask, “When was your last STD test?” As a result, some people assume their partners are clean based on trust, appearance, or just blind hope. The spontaneous nature of many of these encounters further reduces the likelihood of condom use. There’s also a false sense of safety among those who equate regular STI tests with immunity, forgetting that prevention is always more effective than treatment.
Sex Education in the UK: Gaps and Missed Opportunities
Sex education in UK schools has evolved to become more inclusive, empathetic, and reflective of modern relationships. But the decline in practical, medically accurate lessons on protection is partly to blame for rising STD numbers. Not all schools offer in-depth guidance on how to properly use condoms, negotiate safe sex, or access sexual health clinics.
Moreover, there’s a growing concern that young people rely more on social media influencers or online forums for their sex education, where misinformation spreads easily. While YouTube and TikTok offer a wealth of content, not all of it is verified or safe. In the absence of solid school-led education, personal experiences and peer beliefs often fill the void—leading to inconsistent knowledge and risky behavior.
Condom Fatigue After the Pandemic?
Interestingly, some experts believe that the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in reshaping sexual behaviors. During lockdowns, many young people had limited physical intimacy or abstained entirely. When restrictions were lifted, there was a surge in casual sex—a sort of sexual liberation after months of isolation.
However, the sudden re-entry into dating didn’t come with adequate awareness about protection. Add to that the “pandemic fatigue” mindset, where people grew tired of precautions in general, and you have a scenario where condoms became just another “safety measure” to drop. There’s also speculation that since COVID dominated health conversations, STDs felt less urgent or threatening by comparison.
The Emotional Toll of STDs Among Youth
Contracting an STD doesn’t just affect someone physically—it leaves a deep emotional and psychological impact. Shame, isolation, fear of disclosure, and loss of self-worth are common reactions, especially among Gen Z who are often navigating their first relationships.
The stigma surrounding STDs remains one of the biggest barriers to open conversation and responsible action. Many infected individuals withdraw from dating altogether, while others internalize their diagnosis as a sign of irresponsibility or failure. The lack of peer support and open forums to discuss these issues only worsens the situation. We must remember: protection isn’t just about preventing disease—it’s about preserving emotional and relational well-being too.
The Role of Healthcare Providers and Public Campaigns
Public health bodies in the UK have started sounding the alarm. NHS campaigns now aim to make testing more accessible and normalize conversations about safe sex. But more needs to be done. Condoms should be as visible and easily available as hand sanitizers were during the pandemic—in colleges, public restrooms, bars, and community centres.
Healthcare providers also need to build trust with young patients, speaking to them without judgment and educating them on both their options and risks. Additionally, social media needs to be leveraged more effectively, collaborating with trusted influencers who can deliver authentic, stigma-free messages about protection and responsibility.
Dating Tips: Safer Sex and Building Honest Intimacy
In today’s dating culture, protecting your sexual health doesn’t have to ruin the vibe. Whether you’re meeting someone for coffee or heading to a weekend festival together, open communication builds trust faster than pretending everything’s fine. If you’re nervous about how to bring up condom use, keep it simple:
“I really enjoy being with you, and I care about us having fun while staying safe.” That kind of honesty goes a long way. Always carry your own condoms so you’re never caught off guard, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries about what you’re comfortable with. If you’re exclusively dating, consider getting tested together—it’s an intimate gesture that shows mutual care. Remember, safe sex isn’t just about avoiding STDs; it’s a way to show respect for yourself and your partner.
Reframing Condoms as Empowerment, Not Fear
We need a cultural shift in how we talk about condoms. They’re not just a barrier against infection—they’re a symbol of care, consideration, and autonomy. Just like setting emotional boundaries, using condoms is an act of self-respect. For Gen Z, who often speak about mental health, consent, and identity, incorporating condoms into those conversations can help normalize them.
After all, it’s not weak or “uncool” to be responsible—it’s empowering. Reframing condom use as a positive, sexy, and proactive choice could help dismantle the myths and help more people protect themselves without shame.
Peer Pressure and Sexual Consent
Another unspoken factor in the drop in condom use is peer pressure and unclear consent in sexual dynamics. For many young people, especially those just exploring intimacy, it can be hard to assert preferences or speak up when things move quickly. Some feel pressured to go “with the flow,” even if they would prefer to use protection.
The absence of clear communication around consent means many people don’t feel empowered to pause and insist on safer practices. Creating space for affirmative conversations around sex can go a long way in helping individuals take control of their health.
Solutions: What Can Be Done Now?
To reverse this trend, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Schools need to double down on practical sexual health training, not just theory. Community clinics must expand their outreach through youth-led programs, pop-up test sites, and free condom distribution. Social media campaigns need to ditch the shame-based messaging and instead celebrate safe sex as smart and sexy.
Parents, too, have a role to play. Instead of awkward “birds and bees” talks, they can foster open, ongoing discussions about health, consent, and relationships. Condom brands should also update their marketing—using humor, inclusivity, and relatable language that resonates with today’s youth.
Conclusion: Time to Rethink Protection
Sexual health is more than just avoiding diseases — it’s about self-respect, care for others, and building a culture of transparency and trust. The UK’s Rising STD rates are a wake-up call that condom use among Gen Z cannot be overlooked.
We owe it to this generation — and the ones that follow — to destigmatize protection, normalize testing, and champion education that reflects the real world. Condoms are not old-fashioned — they’re a symbol of empowerment in a modern age.
