Sex Lives Report 2024 by LetsStopAIDS

Page 1


NAVIGATING INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS

This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report showing that many 15-yearolds are already sexually active, and most of them didn’t use a condom the last time they had sex. It’s an alarming statistic, but unfortunately, it’s not new.

Since 2022, LetsStopAIDS has been tracking a similar trend among youth aged 18 to 24 — condom use is dropping, and today’s sex-ed curriculum just isn’t meeting the needs of young people.

The year’s Sex Lives Report takes things a step further. LetsStopAIDS wanted to understand not just what’s happening, but why. Why are fewer young people using condoms? What makes it so difficult to negotiate condom use? Beyond that, we wanted to know how well-informed Canadian youth are about their sexual rights — things like consent, STI and HIV disclosure, and other factors that shape their sexual experiences.

One thing became really clear to us: young people need someone to talk to about all this.

Right now, we’re seeing provinces put up barriers to sexed in schools, healthcare providers aren’t discussing HIV testing options with young patients, and sex-ed curricula are outdated, leaving young people with little practical knowledge. On top of all that, prevention tools like condoms are either out of reach or too expensive for many youth. That’s why it’s no surprise that Canada is the only G7 country where HIV transmission rates are rising.

That’s where LetsStopAIDS comes in. Our goal is to work alongside schools, families, governments, and especially young people themselves to ensure their sexual health is fully supported. We want to make navigating sexual life as easy and open as talking about consent and condom use should be.

Let’s talk about sex

In 2024, LetsStopAIDS is focusing on understanding why young people are not consistently using condoms, the challenges they face around HIV awareness and testing, and important aspects of partner communication, such as negotiating condom use. In addition, the research explores young people’s understanding of “sexual rights,” such as sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV disclosure, and consent.

This year, LetsStopAIDS conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,105 Canadians aged 18 to 24 through the Angus Reid Group. The results reveal that the majority of sexually active youth practiced casual condom use.

Alarmingly, the percentage of young people who reported using condoms “all the time” fell from 53% in 2020 to 24% in 2024. This means that most young people were not consistently using condoms — a trend with serious implications for their sexual health, as lower condom use leads to increased vulnerability to STIs and HIV.

Several key findings contribute to increased vulnerability to STIs and HIV:

Nearly half of young Canadians viewed condoms primarily as a method of birth control, not as protection against STIs and HIV

7 in 10 reported never having been tested for STIs or HIV

It’s no surprise, then, that negotiating condom use was a significant issue among sexually active young Canadians. 2 in 5 sexually active young Canadians reported feeling unsafe or uncomfortable during sexual encounters involving condom negotiation. This number rises to 47% among LGBTQ+ youth and a startling 62% among Indigenous Canadians. Additionally, 14% of sexually active youth reported experiencing stealthing — the non-consensual removal of a condom during sex — an act that is now illegal in Canada.

of youth diagnosed with an STI or HIV did not receive treatment

Given these findings, it is clear why STIs and HIV are on the rise among youth. The survey found that 6% of young Canadians had been diagnosed with an STI or HIV in the past six months, an increase from the 4% reported in 2022 and 2023. The 2024 Sex Lives Report findings underscore critical gaps in sexual health knowledge and behaviour that need urgent attention to better support Canadian youth. Among those diagnosed, 21% had chlamydia and 13% had HIV. Even more concerning is that 34% of youth diagnosed with a STI or HIV, did not receive treatment.

Stigma also impacts the sexual health of Canadian youth. 70% of respondents indicated that conversations about STIs and HIV are stigmatized, with 62% claiming that conversations centred around STI and HIV prevention are very challenging to have. In addition to not discussing the topic, a worrisome trend is that only 43% of Canadian youth felt knowledgeable about how to have conversations with others about STIs and HIV. Not only were youth uncomfortable discussing sexual health with others, but 67% of young Canadians did not recall discussing STI and HIV testing with any healthcare provider.

The good news

Youth agree that conversations about STIs and HIV are important. 84% of young people were in agreement that having conversations about STI and HIV history, and that risk should be discussed with each new partner.

In addition to discussing STI and HIV history, Canadians reported having conversations with their partners regarding sexual rights and consent, indicating that consent should be discussed at every stage of sexual interaction.

Condoms don’t impact sexual pleasure

The research also debunks the myth that condoms hinder sexual pleasure. When the pleasure ratings of youth who used condoms during their last sexual encounter are compared with those who didn’t, the data shows no difference in their reported enjoyment. This finding is crucial for young people struggling with condom negotiation, as it provides them with evidence.

Overall, the mix of these suggests a continued need for the development of new tools and approaches to sharing knowledge and informing young people about how to have these conversations and better understand their sexual rights.

The State of STIs and HIV amongst youth

Canada is the only G7 country where HIV rates are rising.

The importance of condom use is magnified due to the rising rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

According to the Government of Canada, between 2011 and 2019, rates increased by 26% for chlamydia, 171% for gonorrhea, and 389% for infectious syphilis, with chlamydia as the most commonly reported STI.

The survey results show that in the last 6 months, 6% of young Canadians have been diagnosed with an STI or HIV — up 2% from the 2023 Sex Lives Report data. Of those diagnosed, 21% were diagnosed with chlamydia, 13% with HIV, 12% with gonorrhea, 10% with hepatitis B, and 8% with syphilis. In both 2022 and 2023, only 8% of youth diagnosed with STIs reported it to be HIV. This year, that number increased to 13%.

Prefer not to answer

Most youth have never been tested

Testing is a clear way to combat rising STI and HIV rates. However, the research indicates that 67% of young Canadians had never been tested for HIV, and 65% had never been tested for STIs. This means that nearly 7 in 10 young Canadians had never been tested despite 61% of youth indicating that they had more than 1 sexual partner in the last 3 months.

7 in 10 young Canadians have never been tested STI AND HIV TESTING

Have you been tested for HIV in the past?

Have you been tested for other STIs in the past?* *not includingHIV

Lack of discussion from healthcare providers

Ensuring that family doctors are accessible and understand the present context of sexual health, while providing guidance on the short and long-term consequences of STIs and HIV, should be a societal priority to effectively reduce transmission. However, the data indicates that doctors and other healthcare providers had not actively been discussing STI and HIV testing with youth.

Do you recall any healthcare providers proactively discussing STI and HIV testing with you?

Youth are not seeking treatment following a diagnosis

After receiving a diagnosis, it is expected that people would receive treatment. The shocking trend, however, is that many youth were not seeking treatment following a diagnosis.

34% of youth diagnosed with an STI or HIV did not receive treatment

Factors influencing STI and HIV transmissions in Canada

HEALTHCARE SUPPORT

Healthcare providers not proactively discussing STI and HIV testing, and youth not seeking treatment after diagnosis

SEX-ED CONTENT AND DELIVERY METHODS

Sex-ed curriculum and delivery methods outdated, failing to address relevant youth concerns and be engaging

INCREASE IN NEW HIV TRANSMISSIONS

POLITICS, RELIGION AND IDEOLOGY

Provincial backlash against sex-ed in schools, as seen in Saskatchewan and Alberta

CONDOM USE AND ACCESS TO HIV PREVENTION

Low condom use and barriers (stigma, availability, cost) to testing and prevention tools (PrEP, PEP)

The percentage of youth that did not receive treatment following a diagnosis is higher than that of 2023, where 27% of youth did not receive treatment. This is alarming for multiple reasons, but especially because a large number of STIs, including HIV, have treatment options.

Advancements in HIV treatment have made it possible for people to achieve a low enough viral load that they would not transmit HIV to another person even during sexual contact; this is also known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) status.

The diagram combines data from the Sex Lives Report 2022, 2023 and 2024, and media outlets.

Stigma and Disclosure

It is evident that the stigma associated with STIs and HIV has made youth less likely to disclose their status. When asked why they felt people with an STI or HIV may not disclose their status, youth confirmed that shame, embarrassment, fear of rejection, and stigmatization still played a prominent role when it came to disclosure.

13% of young Canadians felt that they may have received an STI from a sexual encounter even though their partners said they had no STI Furthermore, 5% of respondents admitted to withholding information.

96% of young Canadians reported feeling very unfamiliar with STI and HIV disclosure laws in Canada

Only 4% feel very familiar with STI and HIV disclosure laws in Canada

Many youth lacked proper understanding of the legal requirements for STI and HIV status disclosure. Data from this year’s Sex Lives Report shows that 96% of young Canadians were not very familiar with these laws. Without this knowledge, they are at greater risk of both transmitting and being affected by STIs and HIV due to nondisclosure.

Unnecessary and expensive.”

Condom use on decline

Despite the high efficiency of condoms in preventing STI and HIV transmissions and pregnancies when used correctly, 64% of sexually active Canadian youth reported inconsistent condom use, with 1 in 5 youth never using a condom. Additionally, the percentage of youth who reported wearing condoms “all the time” dropped from 53% in 2020 to 24% in 2024.

They ruin the feeling.” Makes everything dry.”

I already have difficulty achieving orgasm and condoms make it impossible for me.”

Condoms are “bad vibes..”

64% of sexually active Canadian youth reported inconsistent condom use, with 1 in 5 youth never using a condom

Respondents were allowed to pick more than one reason for their lack of condom use. Real respondents testimonials

Reasons

why youth did not use a condom the last time they had sex

We are exclusive and do not use condoms

is not nearly as good.” It causes me pain.”
The

There

We don’t like using condoms

We have been tested for STIs and HIV Other STI and pregnancy prevention methods were used

Didn’t have a condom

We were under the influence of alcohol and substances I felt pressured not to use a condom

sensation

Condoms blow.”

It feels like having a garbage bag inside me.”
Feels less intimate, feels less good.”

I want to feel the real shit.” They are uncomfortable.”

Sex and Pleasure

Horrible How youth rated how pleasurable their last sexual experience was / Prefer not to say

Great

69% of Canadian youth said they were having great/good sex

Meh

How was the sex?

While not everyone is “doing it”, the young Canadians who are having sex are generally having a good time. When asked to rate how pleasurable their last sexual encounter was, 69% of sexually active youth said sex was great or good. 19% said it was ok, 7% said it was meh and only 3% said it was horrible

Debunking the myth that condoms hinder sexual pleasure

To dispel the “condoms = lack of pleasure” myth, respondents were asked if they wore a condom the last time they had sex. Half of youth said they used a condom, and half said they did not use a condom. These same youth rated how pleasurable this last sexual encounter was.

The research shows, the amount of youth that had pleasurable sex (great/good) with condoms is the same as the amount of youth who had pleasurable sex without condoms. This indicates that condom use does not decrease pleasure levels.

CONDOMS & PLEASURE

Higher connection level = More pleasurable sex

The level and depth of connection youth have with their sexual partner appears to be a large contributor to how pleasurable the sex is.

Then generally, the pleasure level goes down as the level of connection goes down. Only 57% of youth who had sex with a one-time sexual partner (one night stand) said the sex was great/good. Conversely, 40% of youth who have sex with a one-night stand said the sex was ok to horrible. And 44% of youth who had sex with a sexual partner whom they had sex with more than once but have no commitment to (booty call) said the sex was ok to horrible.

Given everyone surveyed for this question wore condoms during their last sexual encounter, this factor was held constant.

Challenges to negotiate condom use

Many youth who do want to use a condom are facing challenges when negotiating the use of a condom with their partners.

Nearly 2 out of every 5 (37%) sexually active young Canadians reported having felt unsafe or uncomfortable during a sexual encounter involving the negotiation and/or use of condoms. This number was higher (47%) among LGBTQ+ youth and even higher (62%) among Indigenous Canadians.

When respondents were asked, “Have you ever felt unsafe or uncomfortable during a sexual encounter involving the negotiation and/or use of condoms?”

Prefer not to answer

Even though we both preferred to have sex without a condom, I was scared of the risk of pregnancy and STIs so I wanted to use protection. But in the end I felt pressured into having sex without a condom.”

They just begged and begged not to use one until I gave in even though I continued to mention that I wasn’t comfortable with it.”

Beverly - Toronto, ON
Bill - Saint John, NB

I wanted him to wear a condom but he asked me 4 times throughout the night to not wear one. So I caved but I regret it.”

My partner refused to wear condoms because they are uncomfortable and would try all the time to use manipulation tactics to convince me to give in and do it anyways. Sometimes he would get angry or violent when I refused to give in.”

Michelle - Vancouver, BC

Ruth - Long Creek, PEI

Discussing Consent

To give and receive consent is a key part of discussions around sexual and reproductive health and rights. As such, it needs to be widely understood.

But do young people truly understand what it means to give consent?

When asked if they understood the meaning of consent, 1 in 5 of Canadian youth answered, ‘I don’t know.’ This highlights the failure of the current sex-ed curriculum a to effectively teach reliable, complete, and up-to-date sexual health concepts.

I don’t know 1 in 5

answered when asked if they understand the meaning of consent

3 in 10

youth reported feeling anxious about sex, fearing their partner(s) might later say it wasn’t consensual

The research shows young Canadians have experienced a range of insecurities around consent.

Almost twice as many men (40%) agreed compared to women (19%). The numbers were also generally higher for transwomen (50%) and transmen (28%).

Consent & Intoxication

The survey asked respondents about the connection between alcohol, drugs, and consent.

4 in 5

Canadian youth agreed that when a person become intoxicated involuntarily (i.e. being drugged), they cannot consent to sexual activity

Responses to whether or not a partner’s intoxication level should be considered before attempting to engage in sexual activity

More effective sexual health programming that discusses the connection between alcohol, drugs and consent, is needed.

Agree Neither agree nor disagree

Disagree Don’t know/ Prefer not to say

Condom Removal without Consent (a.k.a.

Stealthing)

The 2024 Sex Lives Report indicates that 14% of sexually active Canadian youth had felt unsafe because someone pretended to wear a condom and/or removed it before or during sex without their consent. This is known as “stealthing”.

Stealthing is the non-consensual act of removing a condom, or any barrier, during sexual activity without the awareness or consent of the other person or people involved.

14% of sexually active Canadian youth have felt unsafe because someone pretended to wear a condom and/ or removed it before or during sex without their consent

Testimonials from young respondents that have been stealthed provide insight into the ways in which sexual partners can manipulate others into being sexually assaulted: He removed it just when my back was to him without my consent and just before ejaculating.”

Daniel - Sundre, AB

I was hooking up with a guy and he insisted on turning off all of the lights. I asked him to wear a condom and he told me he put one on, but it was in the dark so I couldn’t see if he put one on. When he entered I didn’t physically feel a condom and when he finished the lights were still off, so I never saw a condom so I’m not sure what actually happened.”

Phyllis - Normétal, QC

It was my first time and my partner removed the condom without my consent during intercourse. I was made aware once we had finished and I took a Plan B pill. It was a very hard experience.”

Jon - Mississauga, ON

He took the condom off even though I didn’t agree. But I didn’t stop having sex with him because I was worried he would get angry.”

Darnell - Winnipeg, MB

Recently, the Supreme Court of Canada decided that a partner’s refusal to wear a condom, or removing a condom during a sexual encounter, can invalidate consent previously granted.

The Court determined that the requirement to wear a condom forms part of the “sexual activity in question” to which a sexual partner must voluntarily agree by law, as part of the definition of consent. In other words, legally speaking - consenting to sex with a condom is different and distinct from consenting to have sex without a condom1.

“Where isthe condom?”
“Did you takeoffthecond o m ? ”
“CanIseethe condombeforeyouthrow itout?”

The report shows that seeking help was challenging for youth.

7 in 10

sexually active youth in our sample who experienced an unsafe or uncomfortable sexual encounter involving the negotiation/or use of condom, did not seek help

Equally concerning is that 1 in 2 youth who experienced stealthing, did not seek help.

The findings from our research underscore the critical need for youth to engage in more open and honest conversations with their sexual partners.

We know young Canadians are facing challenges when navigating topics like consent, condom negotiation, and STI and HIV disclosure, and while these conversations can be difficult, they are essential for fostering healthy relationships and empowering youth to take control of their sexual health.

So how can we help youth?

We believe it starts with actively listening to youth voices, acknowledging their experiences, and working collaboratively to dismantle barriers that hinder open communication about sexual health.

Implementing inclusive and comprehensive sex-ed, which frames sexual health in a positive light, is key. Rather than instilling fear and silence, sex-ed should encourage youth to speak openly about these issues. What is clear is that sex-ed should not only address the physical aspects of sexual health, but also the emotional and communicative skills necessary for positive sexual experiences.

How and with whom was the survey conducted?

Sex Lives Report 2024 was conducted by LetsStopAIDS from March 28 to April 9, 2024 among a sample of 1,105 Canadians aged 18 to 24 and was hosted on the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French, and consisted of a representative sample of 1,005 Canadians aged 18 to 24 and an additional boost of 100 Canadians 18 to 24 who identify as LGBTQ+. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

How were respondents’ data protected?

LetsStopAIDS and the Angus Reid Group are committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected. To ensure anonymity, Angs Reid Group assigned each respondent a unique panelist ID. The survey captured IDs of the panelists who completed the survey and appended it to the data file shared with LetsStopAIDS. All survey data is stored on secured servers located in Canada.

Additional questions?

If you have additional questions about the methodology, or if you would like to request the LetsStopAIDS Sex Lives Report 2024 for precise data manipulation and survey question wording, please contact slr@LetsStopAIDS.org.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As a registered Canadian charity built by the hands of thousands of volunteers around the world, we would like to give a special thanks to these people who are dedicated to pursuing our purpose and values.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Dr. Yvonne Su, Dr. Robin Milhausen, and Victoria Yang (J.D.) for their invaluable support with the 2024 LetsStopAIDS Sex Lives Report. A special thank you to Gilead Sciences for supporting the video campaign associated with this report, enabling us to bring science and information to Canadians across the country.

Scan to watch our 2024 video campaign

LetsStopAIDS is Canada’s Youth-HIV charity dedicated to fostering youth leadership and enhancing awareness on HIV and sexual health. We focus on research, knowledge exchange initiatives and community engagement globally.

Since 2004, LetsStopAIDS has engaged over 200,000 young people through 10 global projects, supported by 15,000 volunteers. 20 years later, and we continue to inspire young people to take action within their local communities.

To learn more and get involved with LetsStopAIDS or make a charitable donation, please visit LetsStopAIDS.org or contact us at +1 (416) 231-2333.

Publication Date: October 2024

Copyright © LetsStopAIDS 2024

ISBN: 978-1-7381438-1-8

160 John St, Suite 200

Toronto, ON M5V 2E5

Canadian Charitable No. 86145 2639 RR0001

Citation

LetsStopAIDS Sex Lives Report: Navigating Intimate Conversations

Survey Design

Dr. Yvonne Su, Dr. Robinson Mihausen,

Victoria Yang (J.D.), Sabrina Sam

Data Analysis

Dr. Yvonne Su, Dr. Robinson Mihausen

Data Collection

Angus Reid Group

Design and Layout

Ludivine Méténier

Director of Video Campaign

Dan LeMoyne

Director of Photography

Daniyal Shah

Editorial Support

Tadek Chmiel, Tatiana Goulart, Shamin

Mohamed Jr., Smit Patel, Dr. Gerson

Scheidweiler, Dr. Yvonne Su,

Tyler Valiquette, Dana Won

ISBN 978-1-7381438-1-8

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.