The Federal Centre for Health Education’s (BZgA) representative study Youth Sexuality 9th Iteration is a representative repeat survey. A large-scale survey of young people, their parents and young adults was launched for the ninth time in the summer of 2019. It follows on from predecessor studies conducted between 1980 and 2014. The goal of the study is to acquire reliable data about the attitudes and behaviours of young people in the Federal Republic of Germany with regards to sexuality and contraception.
Specialist doctors play an incredibly important role for girls and young women, especially with regards to topics surrounding sexuality. They are a relevant reference person for more than one in ten 14- to 17-year-old girls. This is only true in rare cases (2 %) for boys of the same age. This fact sheet presents the core results of the role and significance of gynaecologists regarding sexuality education and contraceptive advice, largely for the sample group of 14– to 17-year-old girls and sometimes also for the young women aged between 18 and 25.
Results: An Overview
- Girls and young women are now 15 years old on average when they first see a gynaecologist, almost two years older than five years ago.
- The first appointment with a gynaecologist depends on the extent and the onset of sexual activities.
- Contraceptive questions and menstrual problems are the most important reasons for seeing a gynaecologist for the first time.
- Nine in ten girls and young women were satisfied with their first gynaecological appointment.
- The percentage of respondents receiving contraceptive advice is falling, which is connected to becoming sexually active later and to socio-cultural factors.
- The upcoming first sexual intercourse and the general desire for information are the most important reasons to get contraceptive advice from a doctor.
- Having a contraceptive prescribed is no longer the focus of a contraceptive consultation.