Croatian youth delay sexual activity amid rising infection rates

Data from the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) indicates that while young people in Croatia are delaying sexual activity and having fewer partners, there is a rising trend in sexually transmitted infections.

Research among individuals aged 18 to 25 shows the median age for first sexual intercourse has shifted from 17 to 18. Additionally, the average number of sexual partners has decreased from five to three for males and from three to two for females. Experts suggest factors such as internet communication, delayed independence, increased focus on education, and pandemic-related mental health impacts may contribute to this shift.

Despite lower activity levels, infection rates are climbing. Chlamydia cases identified at the sexual health clinic rose from 14 in 2024 to 39 in 2025, while Mycoplasma genitalium infections increased from nine to 16. Experts noted that males are seven times more likely to be carriers of chlamydia. Concerns were also raised regarding contraceptive use, with approximately 50 percent of young people not using condoms and only 10 percent able to correctly answer questions regarding contraception.