Following the Christmas festivities and New Year celebrations, a recent survey has revealed that sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been weighing heavily on some people’s minds.
Research carried out by Superdrug online doctor revealed that there had been a 53.8 per cent increase in searches for chlamydia tests. Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that is usually caught through sex or contact with infected genital fluids.
A survey of 2,000 sexually active adults was conducted to help break the taboo around STIs and help people openly discuss their experiences more. Highlights from the research included how 91 per cent of Brits feel that an STI diagnosis would negatively impact their mental health, relationships, social life, love life, general confidence and even their career.
Also, almost 50 per cent wouldn’t feel comfortable speaking to their long-term partner about experiences with STIs. The most trusted group of people to speak to about an STI was a doctor, with 75 per cent saying they would feel comfortable speaking to a medical professional.
However, most don’t feel able to confide with anyone other than a professional, with 63 per cent saying they wouldn’t feel comfortable going to their friends, 90 per cent not wanting to speak to their parents or siblings.
Talking about sex and STIs can be tricky, especially with someone who you are, or planning to be, intimate with. Julia Kotziamani, who is a love, sex and relationship expert and educator, as well as sexologist Dr Jess O’Reilly, provided their top tips for talking to a partner about STIs:
– Start the conversation early
– Get knowledgeable about STIs
– Be open and accepting
– Remove the shame
– Stay up to date with testing
– Remember the first time is the hardest
– Consider your partner’s discomfort in the topic
– Be prepared for their reaction
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