A literature review was conducted to investigate the effects of sexuality and birth control education on knowledge and attitude with regard to contraception use by adolescents in Western countries. The findings showed that sex education increased knowledge about sexuality and birth control. In many cases there was also a change in attitude with adolescents assuming a more liberal and tolerant attitude towards sexuality. Virtually no educational programme showed any influence on communication skills, assertiveness or skills with regard to contraception use. The sex education courses appeared to have no impact on sexual behaviour, such as intercourse. A few studies demonstrated that adolescents' intention to use contraception in the future was strengthened. Most studies found the education provided had a positive effect on contraception use, especially those programmes which explicitly integrated the desired behaviour into the educational course. A number of factors are discussed that influence the effect of sex and birth control education.