This paper describes use of contraception at first intercourse among Norwegian adolescents and sheds some light upon whether the HIV-epidemic has influenced the use of contraception. The data stem from a population-based survey of 3,000 17-, 18- and 19-year-olds. The response rate was 60.9%. A total of 1,172 persons had experienced intercourse and constitute the material. A total of 42.2% reported having used a condom, 8.5% the p-pill, 17.6% practiced withdrawal, and 31.0% did not use any contraception at their first experience of intercourse. Use/non-use of contraception was associated with educational aspirations, age at first intercourse and consumption of alcohol. Condom use was associated with age, educational aspirations, parental education, consumption of alcohol and discussing contraception with parents and peers. The higher proportion of condom use at first intercourse among the 17-year-olds (47.5%) as compared with the 19-year-olds (34.3%) can probably be ascribed to the HIV-epidemic.