Abstract
This study describes the use of contraception and protection for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in six different birth cohorts of the general population in Norway. The results are based on a 2020 national web panel survey among 18–89 year-olds in Norway (n = 4160). For respondents born within 1931–1950 versus those born within 1990–2002, there was a significant increase in the use of protection against unwanted pregnancy and STIs during sexual intercourse, and a significant drop in the proportion of those who did not use any protection at all. More women today (than in previous decades) are using hormonal contraception. The main reason for not using condoms during intercourse was both parties felt safe that they were healthy, especially those born within 1990–2002. To prevent unwanted pregnancy and STIs, it is beneficial to continue to increase the availability of free or subsidized hormonal contraception, including emergency contraception, and free condoms in public arenas that people frequent and where they meet their partners.
Highlights
Sexual values, norms, and behaviour within a society or culture are characterized by stability rather than change (Simon & Gagnon, 1986)
This study described the use of contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) protection among Norwegian men and women across six birth cohorts—(1) during their first ever sexual intercourse, (2) during their first sexual intercourse with their most recent sexual partner, and (3) across age groups during their most recent intercourse—to understand their behaviour and determine the reasons for not using condoms
Condoms and hormonal contraception are the two main methods of contraception used in Norway
Summary
Norms, and behaviour within a society or culture are characterized by stability rather than change (Simon & Gagnon, 1986). From the rather limited experiences of sexuality in childhood, the teenager transits to a more comprehensive pattern of sexual behaviour and is, as a responsible citizen, expected to use contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancy (Gagnon & Simon, 2005; Lewin & Helmius, 1983). People of fertile age use condoms for protection against unwanted pregnancy but often find it unnecessary to use condoms to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs; Træen & Hovland, 1998) They fear being regarded as suspicious and trust the partner would tell them if they were infected with STIs (Træen & Gravningen, 2011). Post-World War 2 Norwegians had their coital debut at the age of 17–20 years (Stigum et al, 2010), ushering in periods that offered different opportunities for contraceptive use In this regard, we provide a short presentation of the central features of the development in Post-World War 2 Norwegian society
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