Spain’s Sexual Landscape: What the Latest Survey Shows

Why the Survey Matters

The II National Sexual Health Survey, carried out by the Ministry of Health and the Center for Sociological Research (CIS), interviewed 9,009 people. It is the first update in 16 years and gives a snapshot of how Spaniards experience sexuality today.

Key Findings at a Glance

• Acceptance of diversity is growing. More people view same‑sex relationships as respectable.
• Consent and prevention still need work. A significant number report unwanted sexual experiences.
• Sexual satisfaction has dropped. Fewer people say they are satisfied with their sex life compared to 2009.
• Condom use is low. About three out of four didn’t use a condom in their last vaginal intercourse.
• HIV testing is rare. Over 60 % have never taken an HIV test.

Unwanted Sexual Experiences

One of the most striking numbers:

• 28.2 % of women say they have been forced to do unwanted sexual acts at some point in their lives (26.1 % occasionally).
• 13.6 % of men report the same.

These figures highlight the need for better education on consent and respect.

Sexual Satisfaction: Then vs. Now

Currently, 77.2 % of the population says they are satisfied with their sexual life, down from 85.8 % in 2009. Psychologist Nayara Malnero explains that the drop doesn’t necessarily mean things are worse:

“Maybe now we really know what sexual satisfaction is. Before it could be interpreted simply as not having problems or having a certain frequency. Today we understand that sexuality also involves emotional well‑being, connection, personal growth and happiness.”

She also notes that the reference point has changed – a 60‑year‑old today knows they still have many years ahead for sexual exploration, unlike in the past when satisfaction was often tied to remembering earlier times.

How We Connect: Apps and Social Media

The way people meet partners has shifted:

• Many now meet through dating apps or social networks instead of face‑to‑face encounters.
• This can affect the development of certain social skills that used to grow naturally in offline settings.

Pornography, Stress, and Pressure

Porn Consumption

The survey found:

• 71.9 % of men and 24.9 % of women watched porn in the last year.
• Among 25‑ to 34‑year‑olds, the figure exceeds 60 %.

Malnero warns that when porn becomes the main source of sexual learning, it can create unrealistic expectations:

“Many people use porn as a reference model and end up comparing their reality with something that does not resemble real life. That generates frustration and dissatisfaction.”

Stress and Social Pressure

Modern life demands professional success, a perfect image, and a stable relationship. Constant pressure raises stress levels, which directly harms sexual satisfaction.

Condom Use: A Persistent Challenge

Spain has long been known as “the country of rubber” for high condom consumption, yet:

• About 75 % of people did not use a condom in their last vaginal intercourse.
• Teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain high.
• Over 62 % of respondents have never taken an HIV test.

Malnero points out that the issue isn’t just access to condoms but the lack of effective sexual education:

“There is a lot of talk about these issues in the media, but not in the classrooms, and when it is done, it is often raised from fear and not from conscience or self‑responsibility.”

She adds that education must go beyond “how to put on a condom” and include self‑care, emotional relationships, and mutual respect.

Older adults are also affected – STIs are rising among people over 65 who stop using condoms because they wrongly believe there is no risk.

Positive Signs and Hope for the Future

Despite challenges, the survey shows encouraging trends:

• Acceptance of same‑sex relationships has more than doubled since 2009. Today, 88.1 % view them as respectable as heterosexual relationships, up from 41 % sixteen years ago.
• 91.1 % of the population supports teaching sexual education in schools.

Malnero concludes with optimism:

“There is a lot of work pending, but also reasons to be optimistic. More and more people want to learn, know themselves better and build healthier relationships. I think we are moving in the right direction.”

Conclusion

The latest survey paints a mixed picture of sexuality in Spain. While acceptance of diversity and support for education are rising, issues like unwanted experiences, low condom use, and declining satisfaction remind us that work remains. By improving sexual education—focusing on consent, emotional health, and realistic expectations—and encouraging open, respectful conversations, Spain can continue toward a healthier, more fulfilling sexual culture for all ages.