Adolescent sexuality in europe: A multicentric study

Study Objective: A multicentric European study was undertaken by the International Federation of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, to compile information on sexual activity during adolescence.

Setting and Participants: Eleven countries contributed to the study. The following data were collected: Age of first sexual intercourse, and adolescent pregnancy and abortion rates, as well as contraceptive methods used during adolescence.

Results: It was found that boys start sexual intercourse earlier than girls with girls starting sexual intercourse after the age of 16. No significant differences were found among European countries for adolescent pregnancy rate. A reduction of adolescent pregnancy rate was reported from Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the United Kingdom during the years 1985 through 1989. An increase in the abortion rate was recorded for Denmark, Finland, Hungary, and Italy during the same period. Oral contraceptives were the most popular contraceptive method in many European countries.

Conclusions: Sexual education programs must be initiated in countries that have not yet approved them in schools. Further multicentric data must be collected to harmonize the use of the same birth control methods during adolescence. The need for consultation on adolescent sexuality matters in European countries as well as the prevention of complications arising from premature sexual relations must also be stressed.