Norway has recorded its highest level of condom use in five years, according to recent data from national health surveys and sexual health organizations. The increase follows years of rising rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and suggests a shift in behavioral patterns among young adults, although significant barriers to consistent use remain.
Trends in sexual health behavior
Recent figures from the Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (Studentenes helse- og trivselsundersøkelse, SHoT) show that 35% of students reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter with a new partner. This is an increase from 31% recorded in 2021. Health officials from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (Folkehelseinstituttet, FHI) noted that while the figures are still lower than desired for optimal public health, the upward trend is a positive development after a period of relative stagnation.
The 2025 edition of Kondomkollen, an annual report by the Norwegian Association for Sexual and Reproductive Health (Riksförbundet for seksuell opplysning, RFSU), provides further context. The study highlights that while awareness is growing, many Norwegians still find the transition from “spontaneous attraction” to “using protection” difficult. According to RFSU, the most common reason for not using a condom remains the belief that it “interrupts the mood” or that “trust in the partner” is sufficient, especially in casual but recurring encounters.
Public health initiatives and accessibility
The Norwegian government and various health organizations have implemented several measures to increase the availability of protection. The Norwegian Directorate of Health (Helsedirektoratet) maintains a program that allows residents to order free condoms (gratis kondomer) online, which are delivered discreetly by mail. In 2024, the demand for these services reached record levels.
The cost of sexual health remains a factor in policy discussions. While the government provides free options, commercial prices for a standard pack of condoms in Norwegian pharmacies or supermarkets typically range from 120 NOK (€10.35) to 180 NOK (€15.52). To combat these costs, local health clinics (helsestasjon for ungdom) have intensified their distribution efforts in major cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.
Psychological barriers and the “gonorrhea wave”
Experts suggest that the increased use of condoms is a direct response to the “gonorrhea wave” reported by health authorities in late 2023. Public awareness campaigns have focused on the fact that many STIs can be asymptomatic, making barrier protection the most effective tool for prevention.
However, the Kondomkollen 2025 report points out a “positivity gap.” While the majority of Norwegians have a positive attitude toward condoms in theory, a significant portion still finds it awkward to initiate the conversation about protection with a new partner. RFSU advocates for normalizing the presence of condoms as a standard part of sexual preparation, rather than an emergency measure.
Regional comparison
Comparing Norway to its neighbors, the Nordic region generally reports higher levels of sexual health awareness than the European average. However, Norwegian health officials emphasize that the current progress must be sustained to see a long-term reduction in infection rates. The goal for the next reporting period is to see condom usage among students exceed 40%, aligning with broader national health targets for the decade.
