(10 May 2002)

A major survey of sexual attitudes has found that people in the UK are much more open about their sexual practices than they were 10 years ago, and more tolerant of sexual diversity – but that there has been no decline in behaviour that increases the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI).[1]

More than one quarter of the 6399 participants in the British National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle (Natsal) 2000 said they had not used any form of contraception the first time they had sex, roughly the same percentage as 10 years ago – despite health education campaigns to promote safer sex.

The survey found that there is greater tolerance of sex before marriage – but less of infidelity in either marriage or when partners are living together.

More men and women reported homosexual contact than in Natsal 2000 than in Natsal 1990, and tolerance of male homosexuality has also increased since the last survey.

Natsal 2000 also found that there has been a real increase in the numbers of women having sex at an early age: just over 18% had sex before they were 16, compared to less than 13% 10 years ago. In men, the figures were 28% in 2000, and 25% in 1990.

1. Copas AJ, Wellings K, Erens B, et al: The accuracy of reported sensitive sexual behaviour in Britain: exploring the extent of change 1990–2000. Sex Transm Infect 2002;78:26–30