The condom in relation to prevention of sexually transmitted infections and as a contraceptive method in Sweden

Abstract

Objective To analyze in detail the latest Swedish population survey regarding condom use in order to gain a deeper knowledge of the characteristics of women and men using or not using condoms at a time when the number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had started to increase.

Methods From a population-based survey of sexual life in Sweden among men and women aged between 18 and 74 years (n = 2810), we investigated the use of condoms in relation to social demographic, lifestyle, sexual and behavioral characteristics.

Results In the age group 18–49 years, every third person had experience of a legal abortion and every fourth had had an STI. Overall, use of condoms was 12% in the whole population and 15% in the age group 18–49 years. Using a condom as a method of contraception, as opposed to other methods, was found to be less frequent in six subgroups: when coitus was less frequent, age above 25 years, among those who had had many partners and those with earlier experience of abortion or STI, as well as having a risky behavior. Using a condom as a preventive against contracting an STI occurred less often in women and men older than 25 years and among those having coitus more frequently.

Conclusion Even with good information and easy accessibility to condoms, there are still obstacles to their use. To achieve the aim of safer sexual practice, it is a challenge for the couple as well as for counselors to reason about the advantages and disadvantages of not using a condom. Discussions about attitudes, behavior and gender differences must be continued and emphasized in coming generations, both on the individual and on a societal level, in order to achieve safer sexual practice.

• Population-based study
• Condom use
• Contraception
• Prevention of sexually transmitted infections
• Behavior
• Gender
• Risk groups