Young woman traveler overlooking a cityscape with compass, symbolizing travel and sexual health choices.

Travel and Risky Business: Navigating Sex, Contraception, and New Relationships Abroad

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unpack the surprising truths about international travel's impact on women's sexual health and contraceptive choices."

International travel is a popular pursuit, especially among young adults. While pre-travel preparations often focus on vaccinations and preventing illness, a crucial aspect is frequently overlooked: sexual and reproductive health. A new study sheds light on the unique risks and behaviors of female university students traveling internationally, offering valuable insights for both travelers and healthcare providers.

Previous research primarily examined travelers' risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but the recent study specifically investigates contraceptive practices and the likelihood of forming new sexual partnerships during international trips. Moreover, the study addresses a critical gap by comparing travelers to non-travelers, helping to isolate the impact of travel itself rather than pre-existing behavioral patterns.

By understanding these potential risks, young women can make informed decisions about their sexual health while traveling, and healthcare providers can offer targeted guidance to ensure their well-being.

Travel & Sex: What's the Real Connection?

Young woman traveler overlooking a cityscape with compass, symbolizing travel and sexual health choices.

The study, conducted via an online survey in 2016-2017, compared 340 female university students who had recently traveled internationally with 170 students planning to travel. The researchers analyzed two key outcomes: contraceptive lapse (inconsistent or incorrect use) and the formation of new sexual partnerships.

Interestingly, the study revealed that travelers and pre-travelers reported similar rates of contraceptive lapse (29% and 32%, respectively) and new sexual partnerships (17% and 12%). However, a deeper dive into the data uncovered a significant difference:

New Partnerships: Travelers were 70% more likely to report forming a new sexual partnership compared to pre-travelers.
Contraceptive Use: The type of contraceptive used seems to have played a role. While similar numbers of travellers and pre-travellers reported being on the pill, pre-travellers were significanlty more likely than travellers to report the use of condoms and withrawal.

These findings suggest that while travel itself may not directly lead to contraceptive lapses, it does appear to increase the likelihood of engaging in new sexual relationships. This is where potential risks arise, as new relationships often involve less consistent contraceptive use and open up the possibility of STI exposure.

Staying Safe and Healthy on Your Adventures

The study's findings highlight the importance of pre-travel counseling that addresses sexual and reproductive health. While many travelers focus on vaccinations and preventing infectious diseases, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of travel on sexual behavior.

Here's what you can do to stay informed and prepared:

<ul><li>Talk to Your Doctor: Schedule a pre-travel consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your contraceptive options, STI prevention, and emergency contraception.</li><li>Plan Ahead: Pack condoms and ensure you have access to reliable contraception throughout your trip.</li><li>Be Informed: Research local laws and healthcare services related to sexual health at your destination.</li><li>Communicate: Open communication with sexual partners is essential for making informed decisions about safer sex.</li></ul>By taking these steps, you can prioritize your sexual health while enjoying all the exciting experiences that international travel has to offer.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1363/psrh.12075, Alternate LINK

Title: Risk Of Contraceptive Lapse And New Sexual Partnership Among Female University Students Traveling Internationally

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health

Publisher: Guttmacher Institute

Authors: Summer L. Martins, Susan M. Mason, Wendy L. Hellerstedt, Sonya S. Brady

Published: 2018-08-17

Everything You Need To Know

What was the main focus of the study regarding international travel and sexual health?

The study examined the sexual behavior of female university students, comparing those who had recently traveled internationally with those planning to travel. The research investigated two primary outcomes: contraceptive lapse and the formation of new sexual partnerships during international trips. It did not examine travelers risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This allowed the researchers to focus on the effects of travel itself, separate from pre-existing behaviors.

How does international travel influence the likelihood of forming new sexual partnerships?

The research found a notable connection between international travel and the formation of new sexual partnerships. While similar rates of Contraceptive lapse were reported, travelers were 70% more likely to report forming a new sexual partnership compared to those planning to travel. This increase highlights a potential risk because new relationships may involve less consistent Contraceptive use, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies and STI exposure. This is particularly relevant for young women, who are the focus of the study.

What is meant by Contraceptive lapse, and what did the study reveal about it?

Contraceptive lapse refers to inconsistent or incorrect use of contraception. The study investigated this behavior in both travelers and those planning to travel. The study found similar rates of Contraceptive lapse between the groups, suggesting that travel itself may not directly cause these lapses. However, the research did reveal differences in Contraceptive use. For example, pre-travelers were more likely than travelers to report using condoms and withdrawal, indicating that different Contraceptive practices could be in place, leading to varied levels of protection.

Why is pre-travel counseling on sexual and reproductive health important, according to the study?

The study underscores the importance of pre-travel counseling regarding sexual and reproductive health. Focusing solely on vaccinations and preventing infectious diseases overlooks a critical aspect of international travel. The study's findings indicate that travel can significantly impact sexual behavior and the likelihood of forming new sexual partnerships, which can introduce potential risks. Healthcare providers can use this information to offer targeted guidance, ensuring the well-being of travelers and promoting informed decision-making about sexual health while abroad.

Who were the participants in the study, and how was the research conducted?

The research was conducted via an online survey in 2016-2017, focusing on female university students. The study compared 340 female students who had recently traveled internationally with 170 students who were planning to travel. The researchers analyzed Contraceptive lapse and the formation of new sexual partnerships, providing valuable insights into the effects of international travel on sexual behavior. By comparing travelers and pre-travelers, the study aimed to isolate the specific impacts of travel, rather than pre-existing patterns.