Fundación MSI highlights gap in contraceptive use in Mexico

On World Sexual Health Day, Fundación MSI highlighted a significant gap between contraceptive knowledge and actual usage in Mexico. According to 2023 data from the National Survey of Demographic Dynamics (ENADID) conducted by INEGI, while 98.7% of women of childbearing age are aware of contraceptive methods and 96.6% understand how they work, only 47% used protection during their first sexual encounter.

The disparity is particularly notable among adolescents aged 15 to 19, where only 66.9% used protection when starting their sexual lives. This indicates that approximately one in three young people begins sexual activity without protection despite high levels of general awareness.

Fundación MSI emphasized that information alone is insufficient. The organization stated that for individuals to effectively exercise their sexual and reproductive rights, they require access, accompaniment, and an environment free from stigma that allows them to translate knowledge into concrete decisions.