The sexual health charity, Brook, conducted a study that found only about a third of UK teens ages 16-18 use condoms regularly. In addition, some were not using condoms properly and were using them only as contraceptives rather than to prevent infections.

Two-thirds of the 1,300 teens surveyed said school was among their top three most important sources of information on sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although UK secondary schools are required to include sex education in the curriculum, no rules govern what should be taught, leading to complaints that the lessons are too focused on biology.

"Condoms are the only way for sexually active young people to protect themselves from STIs," said Brook Chief Executive Jan Barlow, adding that the majority of teens use condoms inconsistently and sometimes incorrectly.

The survey found more than half the teens thought chlamydia affects only women, while a similar number did not know emergency contraception could be taken up to 72 hours after having sex. About one-third thought STIs could be caught from a toilet seat.

A Department of Health spokesperson said the agency will soon launch a major public information campaign about STIs, and plans to offer more convenient options for STI screening and testing.

A spokesperson for Terrence Higgins Trust said, "It is clear that we need to do much more to support young people in avoiding sexual ill-health, and that has to start with better quality sex education. We need to discuss relationships as well as the mechanics of sex if we are to help young people protect themselves."

The Department for Education and Skills said there are no plans to alter government guidance to schools on sex education, and that head teachers will continue to decide the content.

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