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STADA Health Report on World Contraception Day 2020

  • 26/09/2020
  • Press Release
  • Almost one in three Europeans (30 percent) does not talk about sex at all

  • Only 39 percent have ever been tested for sexually transmitted diseases

  • World Contraception Day on September 26 to raise awareness

Bad Vilbel, 26 September 2020 – The "World Contraception Day" on September 26 is intended to draw attention to the variety of available contraceptive methods. Once again this year, the aim is to enable people worldwide to deal with their sexuality in an informed and responsible manner. Knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases is a key factor in this context. There is dangerous ignorance in large parts of Europe about how sexually transmitted diseases can be transmitted. The reasons for this could be, for instance, because not enough people are talking about contraception and about sex in general. "Let's talk about sex" therefore only applies to a minority of Europeans. The Brits are particularly hesitant: 52 percent saying that they generally don't talk about sex. In Serbia, Spain and Poland (20, 21 and 22 percent), people are much more open-minded about the topic.

When people in Europe talk about sex, it is mainly about the frequency of sexual intercourse (49 percent) - the Poles are particularly chatty in this respect (62 percent). For the majority, their own safety and that of their partner seems to be of secondary importance. Not even every second European speaks about contraception (41 percent). There is a clear trend between the genders in this area: while almost one in two women (48 percent) discuss contraception, only about one third (35 percent) of men do so. One possible explanation: In mixed-gender relationships, women are still more likely to be in charge of contraception than their male partners.
Even more unpopular than "contraception" is the topic of "Sexually Transmitted Diseases - STDs" (30 percent). Again, the Brits are rather quiet on this subject (16 percent) - which is in line with the general picture, as the UK is the country with the least discussion about sex in Europe. The Spanish, on the other hand, are the most open on this topic (40 percent).

Large gaps in knowledge regarding STDs
In particular, the inadequate exchange on STDs reveals itself to be problematic: there is a great lack of knowledge about how one can become infected with STDs. Particularly disturbing: Only every fifth person is aware that it is possible to be infected with STDs even when kissing (22 percent).

Minimal testing for STDs
Less than every second European has ever been tested for STDs. Only 39 percent have been to a doctor for a test at least once in their lives, and one in ten of them does so regularly. Singles attach surprisingly little importance to a test: 62 percent stated that they have never had a test to determine whether they have a STD.

Conclusion: In Europe there is still a great need for education and discussion about sex and contraception. Nevertheless, a very positive trend is emerging among the younger population: Young people in all countries between the ages of 18 and 34 are less inhibited in talking about "sex" than the average population (18 vs. 30 percent) and are tested more frequently for STDs (45 vs. 39 percent).


STADA Health Report:
Representative online study by Kantar on behalf of STADA.
Timeframe: February through March 2020.
Sample: Around 2,000 respondents each from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, France, Italy, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

About STADA Arzneimittel
AG STADA Arzneimittel AG is headquartered in Bad Vilbel, Germany. The company focuses on a two-pillar strategy consisting of generics, including specialty pharmaceuticals and non-prescription consumer health products. Worldwide, STADA Arzneimittel AG sells its products in approximately 120 countries. In financial year 2019, STADA achieved adjusted Group sales of EUR 2,608.6 million and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of EUR 625.5 million. As of December 31, 2019, STADA employed 11,100 people worldwide.

Additional information for journalists
STADA Arzneimittel AG / Media Relations
Stadastrasse 2-18 / 61118 Bad Vilbel / Germany /
Phone: +49 (0) 6101 603-165 / Fax: +49 (0) 6101 603-215
E-Mail: press@stada.de