Luxembourg has published the results of its first national study on affective and sexual health, providing a detailed overview of the knowledge, behaviours and experiences of the adult population regarding sexual and reproductive health. The research, conducted in 2025 among a representative sample of 2,371 people aged over 18, highlights both progress in access to information and services, as well as remaining challenges related to contraception, sexually transmitted infections, sexual education, consent and sexual violence.

The results of the study will contribute to the development of future public health policies in Luxembourg.

Contraception is widely known, but information about free access remains insufficient

Most participants reported having good knowledge about contraceptive methods, and almost nine out of ten people said they were satisfied with the method they currently use. However, 38% of respondents were not aware that contraception is available free of charge in Luxembourg.

This finding shows that the availability of healthcare services does not automatically guarantee that people are aware of their rights and the options available to them.

Sexually transmitted infections and prevention

The study shows that 84% of participants consider themselves well informed about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, preventive practices remain inconsistent.

Among young people aged 18 to 24, only 39% reported having consistently used protection against STIs with every sexual partner during the previous 12 months. In addition, 15% of all respondents stated that they had experienced at least one sexually transmitted infection during their lifetime.

These results underline the continued importance of accessible information, prevention programmes and regular testing services.

Abortion and reproductive health

The study found that 17% of women who participated in the survey reported having had at least one voluntary termination of pregnancy during their lifetime.

The data contributes to a better understanding of reproductive health needs and provides important information for planning healthcare services, ensuring access to medical support and strengthening reproductive rights.

Consent and sexual violence remain important concerns

The research highlights that a significant number of people have experienced pressure from a partner to engage in sexual activity against their wishes. Women and people with disabilities were identified as groups experiencing these situations more frequently.

The study emphasizes the need to strengthen education on consent and to continue developing support services for survivors of sexual violence.

Sexual education needs further improvement

Less than half of the respondents who completed their education in Luxembourg reported receiving education related to affective and sexual health during their school years. Among those who received such education, many considered that it only partially addressed their questions and needs.

Currently, healthcare professionals, especially gynaecologists and general practitioners, remain among the main sources of information on sexual and reproductive health.

Sexual and reproductive rights remain a public health priority

Luxembourg authorities stated that the findings of this study will guide future policies related to affective and sexual health.

Among the measures already implemented are free access to contraception, the removal of mandatory reflection periods before voluntary termination of pregnancy, and constitutional protection of access to abortion. Authorities also intend to continue investing in education, prevention and support services for people affected by sexual violence.

The study demonstrates the importance of regularly collecting data on sexual and reproductive health in order to create evidence based policies that respond to the real needs of the population.

Sources:

• Official communication from the Government of Luxembourg presenting the results of the first national study on affective and sexual health. The original material is available in English:
  https://gouvernement.lu/en/actualites/toutes_actualites/communiques/2026/07-juillet/06-enquete-sas.html
• Full study Survey on Affective and Sexual Health (SAS) available through the official Luxembourg sexual health portal. The study is available in French:
  https://santesecu.public.lu/en/publications/s/sas-presentation.html