After a temporary decline, condom use is once again increasing in the majority of the Nordic countries. The largest increase is seen in Norway, where condom use has risen from 35 to 40 percent in the past year – the highest level recorded in the country in five years. At the same time, the negative trend continues in Denmark, where condom use has decreased for three consecutive years and is now the lowest in the Nordic region.
The comprehensive Nordic survey Kondomkollen has been conducted annually since 2009. This year’s results show an overall positive trend, particularly among young people, in three out of four Nordic countries. In Denmark, however, the trend is moving in the opposite direction, with condom use declining – and the decrease is even more pronounced among young people.
– It is encouraging to see condom use recovering across much of the Nordic region and that young people are leading this development. At the same time, it is concerning that Denmark continues in the opposite direction and that young Danes are increasingly choosing not to use condoms, says Pelle Ullholm, sexual health educator at RFSU.
Norway Shows the Largest Increase – Denmark Lowest in the Nordic Region
Norwegians are the group that has increased condom use the most, from 35 to 40 percent, but positive trends are also visible in Sweden and Finland. In Sweden, usage has increased from 40 to 42 percent, and in Finland from 39 to 41 percent. In Denmark, however, the decline continues – from 40 percent in 2023, to 38 percent in 2024, and further down to 37 percent in 2025. Denmark is now the Nordic country with the lowest share of condom users.
More Young People Used a Condom at Sexual Debut – Except in Denmark
The share of young people aged 16–20 who used a condom at their sexual debut has increased in all Nordic countries except Denmark, where the proportion has dropped from 74 to 64 percent. Despite the increase in Sweden, Swedish youth still have the lowest rate of condom use at sexual debut (54 percent). The highest share is found in Finland (78 percent), followed by Norway (74 percent).
– Education and conversations about sex and protection are crucial for establishing norms around condom use at an early stage. The survey also shows that young people often find it harder to suggest using a condom the second time if it was not used the first time, which is why it is important for condoms to be a natural part of sex from the beginning, says Pelle Ullholm.
Finns Find It Easiest to Suggest Condom Use
72 percent of Finns say it is easy to suggest using a condom when having sex with a new partner – the highest figure in the Nordic region. In Sweden and Denmark, the corresponding share is 56 percent. Norwegians are the Nordic population that finds it most difficult to suggest condom use, with just over half (51 percent) saying it is easy.
– This year’s results suggest that the decline in condom use we saw last year may have been temporary, and the usage is now increasing again across much of the Nordic region – even though Denmark is moving in the opposite direction. We also see this positive trend reflected in sales, which has increased by 1,3 percent in average 2022-2025 in number of condoms sold in the Nordic countries. Particularly notable is the increased demand for thin condoms, which has risen by 10 percent during 2025, says Anette Otterström, Head of Brand & Communication Nordic at RFSU AB.
Press contacts:
Clara Bergström, Press Officer RFSU
clara.bergstrom@rfsu.se
+46 76 160 33 07
RFSU AB:
Anette Otterström, Head of brand & communication RFSU AB
anette.otterstrom@rfsu.com
+46 70 739 87 00