Does this study suggest that the British are more clear and more open about what “having sex” is and talking about it?

This is a large study, sponsored by the British government. It polled more than 1,200 15-24 year-olds. It appears that, when talking about prior sexual activity, this age group considers honesty a measure of the seriousness of, and the future of, that relationship. Disclosing that would involve agreeing on what “having sex” means, which may not be as clear in the U. S.

In another story today about a study conducted in Indiana, the finding was that people did not agree on what “have sex” meant, exactly. However, this was a much smaller piece of research. Slightly more than 200 men and 200 women were randomly surveyed by the Kinsey Institute, which has led the way in sex research for decades. This is such a small sample, it is best not to leap to too many conclusions about it. It is, however, interesting and puzzling.

Both studies point to concerns about what patients on either side of the ocean may or may not be telling their doctors.

Sexually transmitted infections are a major health concern, one sexually active adults need help with from their doctors.

The British study showed that candor stopped at being willing to ask a partner to use a condom. Since that is the case, these patients need to be telling their doctors that they can’t do that. Screening tests  can pick up early on any sexually-transmitted infections which can be treated promptly.

From generation to generation, some things don’t change. The condom issue is one of them. No one wants to ask. Many would like to. That condom question threatens the here-now part of the relationship, for one thing.

BBC

“Young people think frank conversations about their sex lives signal that a relationship will last, says a survey.

“The government-funded Populus poll of more than 1,200 15 to 24-year-olds cited talking about sexual infections and a person’s sexual past as key.

“They even thought this was a better sign of a relationship getting serious than meeting parents.

“But 73% admitted that they did not talk about sexually transmitted diseases before having sex with a new partner.

“And 30% said they felt uncomfortable asking a new partner to use a condom.”

Source: BBC, March 5, 2010

Source: Populus Poll, Sponsored by the British government, March, 2010.