There has been a more than 200% increase for ‘morning after pill’ online searches in April 2021 compared to April 2020 and across the previous 12 months, 'STI Tests' searches have also increased by 1000%.
Easter Monday saw the biggest spike in morning after pill searches with a 363% increase.
New data from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor reveals that during April 2021, ‘morning after pill’ searches increased by 202% compared to April last year - despite the UK still not fully being out of lockdown yet.
There was also a 363% increase for searches on ‘morning after pill’ occurring on Easter bank holiday Monday in April 2021. Which was after the first weekend that the ‘rule of six’ came into effect.
From March 2020 to April 2021, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor and LloydsPharmacy combined saw an overall 127% increase for ‘morning after pill’, despite being mostly in lockdown during this timeframe.
This could be related to the restricted sexual health services available and the lack of understanding on where to actually gain contraception during lockdown.
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor also reviewed that search term ‘STI Panel’, which is a form of STI test, gained a 1000% increase from April 2020 to March 2021. Along with further STI search term increases, indicating a worrying surge in STI cases as we begin to ease out of lockdown.
LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor Dr Gigi Taguri Director of Medical Technology said: ‘‘It’s clear there has been a large increase in people struggling to physically access sexual health treatment services throughout lockdown.
"I have personally gained a significant rise in more STI assessments, with a particular increase in photo assessments for warts and herpes. Plus, lots of frustration from patients around the lack of access of face to face clinics. People trying to self-diagnose warts or herpes and ordering treatment online first, which when then asked to send photos to be sure of the diagnosis and often, they are wrong.
"We recommend to fully ensure only obtaining any form of sexual health related advice and treatment from a reliable source.''
