Contraceptive behaviour of adults and adolescents 2024. In focus: 16- to 25-year-olds

"Since 2003, the representative repeat survey “Contraceptive Behaviour” has provided reliable insights into the attitudes and behaviours relating to sexuality and contraception in Germany. The sixth iteration of the survey began in summer 2024 and expands the study design in two ways: For the first time, 16- and 17-year-olds were included in the survey and online questionnaires were conducted in parallel with telephone interviews.

The majority of adolescents and young adults aged 16 to 25 report having been sexually active in the past twelve months (58 %). The proportion increases with age: among those up to 20 years old, it is 48 percent, while among those aged 21 and older, it rises to two thirds (67 %).

This fact sheet focuses on the contraceptive behaviour of sexually active 16- to 25-year-olds. It examines the use of different contraceptive methods, the main reasons for their choice and the key sources of information. Attitudes towards hormonal contraception are also explored."