Sex condoms and STDs among young people.

In 2003, about 6 in 10 young people aged 15 to 24 reported having had sexual intercourse at least once in their lives (Table A). The same proportions of males and females in that age group had had sex (62%), and most of them remained sexually active after their first experience. The average age at first-time sexual intercourse was also consistent for both sexes: 16.5 years (data not shown). The proportion of 15to 24-year-olds who had had sex was significantly higher than the national figure in Quebec (74%), as well as in Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick (both 68%). In British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario, the figures ranged from 55% to 58%, all significantly below the national average (Table A).