Sexual experience, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases among young women at a contraceptive clinic

Abstract

All visitors who during one year visited a contraceptive clinic in the Solna district of Stockholm County and were below the age of 26 were asked to fill in a questionnaire and offered a test for C. trachomatis. Three hundred and six women (97%) participated. Ninety percent had at some time used oral contraceptives and 91% had experience of condom use. One-fifth of the whole group had undergone one or more legal abortions, and one fourth had experience of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most common STD experienced was chlamydia, followed by condyloma. The actual prevalence of chlamydia in the group was 6%. Sexual contacts were often made early in on-going steady relations. Forty-two percent admitted casual sex, but the number of life-time partners was five or less among the majority.

PIP: All visitors to the contraceptive clinic in the Solna district of Stockholm County over a 1-year period who were under age 26 were asked to complete a questionnaire and were offered a test for C. trachomatis. 306 women (97%) participated; 90% had at some time used oral contraceptives and 91% had used a condom. 1/5 of the entire group had undergone 1 or more legal abortions and 1/4 had experienced a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most prevalent STD was chlamydia, followed by condyloma. The actual prevalence of chlamydia in the group was 6%. Sexual contacts were often made early in the relationship. 42% admitted casual sex but the number of lifetime partners was 5 or less among the majority.