Sexual and emotional health: what Luxembourg's first national survey reveals

The Health Directorate has presented the results of Luxembourg's first national survey on sexual and emotional health, conducted in 2025 among 2,371 residents aged 18 and over. The survey provides national data that offer a better understanding of the population's experiences, needs and behaviours in relation to sexual and emotional health. It highlights both progress made and significant challenges in areas such as the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), contraception, consent, sexual violence and tackling discrimination. The findings will help shape future public health action in this field.

Six key themes

For most respondents, first sexual intercourse took place between the ages of 16 and 18

For almost one in two respondents, first sexual intercourse took place between the ages of 16 and 18. Overall, 85% said that they had wanted this first sexual experience at the time.

Respect for sexual orientations and gender identities: continued efforts needed to tackle discrimination

The survey shows that respect for diversity remains an important societal issue. While the vast majority of respondents identified as heterosexual, 10% reported a sexual orientation other than heterosexual, and 1% identified with a gender identity other than male or female. Notably, 12% of respondents said they had experienced negative comments, questions or judgements related to their sexuality or gender expression.

Preventing STIs: strengthening protective behaviours and testing

15% of respondents reported having contracted an STI at some point in their lives. Most respondents considered themselves well informed about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with 84% saying they had a good level of knowledge on the subject. However, there is still room for improvement in preventive behaviours. Among respondents aged 18 to 24, only 39% reported consistently using protection against STIs with every sexual partner during the previous 12 months. In addition, 31% said they had undergone STI testing during the same period.

Contraception and voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion)

The survey shows that contraception is generally considered from the outset of people's sexual lives, with 68% of respondents reporting that they had used contraception during their first sexual intercourse. Over the previous 12 months, 26% reported using the (male) condom and 17% the contraceptive pill. Although 91% considered themselves well informed about contraception, more than one third of respondents (38%) were unaware that contraception is now available free of charge. Overall, 89% said they were satisfied with their chosen method of contraception.

The survey also found that 17% of women surveyed reported having had at least one voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) during their lifetime.

Consent and sexual violence: worrying situations and persistently high levels of violence underline the need for continued action

The findings show that violations of consent remain a matter of concern. 34% of respondents said they had experienced pressure from a partner to engage in sexual intercourse, with women and people with disabilities being particularly affected. In addition, 31% reported having had unwanted sexual intercourse as a result of pressure from a partner.

The survey also found that, among respondents who reported having been raped, 60% had spoken about it to someone they trusted, while 15% said they had reported the offence to the police.

Sexual and emotional health education: an essential tool for prevention

Among respondents who had completed all or part of their schooling in Luxembourg, 44% said they had received sexual and emotional health education, although 27% had received it only once during their education. Among those who had received such education, 49% felt that it had answered their questions only to a limited or moderate extent (score ≤ 4/10). Healthcare professionals are now the main source of information, particularly gynaecologists and general practitioners.

"This survey provides us with a clear picture of people's expectations and lived experiences. These findings provide a solid foundation for strengthening our actions and promoting sexual and emotional health based on respect and consent," said Martine Deprez, Minister of Health and Social Security.

Examples of concrete action

A number of measures have already been introduced to strengthen sexual and reproductive rights, including the introduction of free contraception, enshrining the freedom to access abortion in the Constitution, and abolishing the mandatory waiting period before a voluntary termination of pregnancy.

Other initiatives include developing educational and awareness-raising tools such as Let's Talk about Sex!, integrating sexual and emotional health into the new primary education curriculum, and strengthening support services for victims of violence through the National Centre for Victims of Violence (CNVV), which provides assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The results of the survey were presented during the event "Sexual and emotional health: networking and presentation of the first national survey", co-organised with the Centre national de référence pour la promotion de la santé affective et sexuelle (Cesas).

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security