Sexual and contraceptive behavior among female university students in Sweden : repeated surveys over a 25-year period

• ObjectiveTo study female students' sexual and contraceptive behavior and compare these results with earlier surveys. DesignComparative, repeated cross-sectional surveys, started in 1989 and repeated every fifth year. SettingContraceptive counseling delivered at a Student Health Center in Sweden. PopulationFemale university students (n=359). MethodsMultiple-choice waiting-room questionnaire. Main outcome measuresSexual and contraceptive behavior. ResultsIn 1989, age at first intercourse was 17.6years vs. 16.7years in 2014, number of lifetime sexual partners was 4.0 vs. 12.1 in 2014, and number of sexual partners during the previous 12months was 1.0 vs. 2.8 in 2014. Condom use during first intercourse with the latest partner decreased from 49% to 41% (n=172 in 2009 vs. n=148 in 2014: p<0.001), and experience of anal sex increased from 39% to 46% (n=136 in 2009 vs. n=165 in 2014: p=0.038), and 25% (n=41 in 2014) always used a condom during anal sex. A total of 70% (n=251) made use of pornography, and 48% (n=121) considered their sexual behavior affected by pornography. Eighty-nine percent (n=291) wanted two to three children and 9% (n=33) had thought about freezing eggs for the future. The female students' knowledge about increasing age being correlated with decreased fertility varied. ConclusionsSexual behavior among female university students has gradually changed during the last 25years and behavior appears more risky today. As this may have consequences on future reproductive health, it is vital to inform women about consistent and correct condom use and about the limitations of the fertile window.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Reproduktionsmedicin och gynekologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Contraception

female

sexual behavior

sexually transmitted diseases

sexually transmitted infection

unsafe sex

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)