Researchers from the University of Vigo have studied the sexual practices of young Spaniards aged between 14 and 24. The results of the study show that girls use condoms more than boys during vaginal sex, but less during anal and oral sexual practices.

Sexual behaviour among young people is undergoing great changes. Researchers from the University of Vigo periodically carry out an evaluation of sexual practices among young adults and adolescents in Spain in order to study their use of condoms in relation to high-risk behaviours and sexually-transmitted diseases.

The research study, which has been published in the Spanish journal Gaceta Sanitaria, analysed a sample of 2,171 young men and women aged between 14 and 24 in three autonomous regions (Galicia, Andalusia and Madrid). The researchers divided them into two study groups - adolescents (14 to 18-year-olds) and young adults (19 to 24-year-olds).

"The results show that condom use among young Spanish males and females has more to do with preventing unwanted pregnancies than with preventing infection with sexually-transmitted diseases, because they are used more during vaginal sex than oral or anal sex," José María Faílde, lead author of the study and a researcher at the Galician university, tells SINC.

The researchers noted gender differences in condom use during different sexual practices too. Girls use condoms more during vaginal sex, while boys use them more during anal and oral intercourse.

According to Faílde, "although girls are very concerned about the risk of unwanted pregnancies, they don't have the same perception of risk in relation to sexually-transmitted diseases, and this gives them a false sense of security when they become involved in a monogamous relationship".

Perception of risk falls with age

Condom use changes with age. It may be hard to believe, but adolescents (aged under 18) use condoms more than young adults. The authors believe that, as they get older, adolescents start to establish themselves in longer-lasting couples, and start to change their contraceptive use (to hormonal methods, for example, instead of condoms).

"Among young people, the fear of an unwanted pregnancy makes them take greater protective measures," the Galician researcher tells SINC. "However, as people get older, they become more relaxed in the use of prophylactic methods, and use other methods more, such as the Pill."

This is a well-known phenomenon - people with fewer partners believe they have a lower risk. However, it is obvious that, in reality, monogamy does not completely remove all risks. "It must be made clear that, in today's society, a monogamous relationship is not a sufficient guarantee of safety," he adds.

The problem is that many couples are not aware of their serological status (presence of antibodies) when they stop using condoms. The expert is clear on this: "We must raise the perception of vulnerability among stable couples. Preventive health strategies must focus on the use of condoms, not only to prevent pregnancy, but also as a means of preventing sexually-transmitted diseases."

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