Estonian youth turn to the web for answers on 10 intimate health topics

Data from the Estonian sexual health counselling platform Seksuaaltervis.ee reveals that pregnancy prevention and contraception top the list of topics young people search online. National statistics back this up, showing over half of women who had abortions were not using contraception beforehand.

Young people in Estonia are increasingly turning to the internet for answers to intimate and sensitive health questions, according to data gathered by the sexual health counselling platform Seksuaaltervis.ee. The most pressing topic among users is pregnancy prevention and contraception — a finding that aligns with broader national health statistics.

Contraception knowledge gap

Estonia's official statistics paint a concerning picture: more than half of women who underwent an abortion had not been using any form of contraception immediately before becoming pregnant. Health experts say this reflects a significant gap in sexual health education and awareness among young people in the country.

The Seksuaaltervis.ee platform, which provides anonymous online counselling, has compiled data on the ten most frequently asked intimate topics by young Estonian users. Alongside contraception, questions about sexually transmitted infections, menstrual health, and relationships also feature prominently among the searches.

Online anonymity lowers barrier

Health educators note that the anonymity offered by online platforms makes it easier for young people to seek information on topics they might find too embarrassing to raise with a doctor or parent. This digital approach to sexual health education is seen as a valuable complement to school-based programmes.

Public health specialists stress that improving access to clear, accurate, and youth-friendly sexual health information remains a priority in Estonia. The data from Seksuaaltervis.ee is expected to inform future health education initiatives aimed at filling the knowledge gaps that the platform's usage patterns have revealed.