Experts have issued a warning as 40% of us are more concerned about catching Covid than an STI, while research from online doctor, ZAVA UK, found on average people have enjoyed casual sex at least three times since the end of 2021, rising to eight amongst 18-24 year olds surveyed. More than a quarter of Brits are more likely to protect themselves against COVID, such as wearing a mask, over taking precautions using protection when having sex.
Lockdown and restricted opportunity for dating has made one in six Brits feel more confident having unprotected sex new sexual partners, who assume that they will have been less exposed to STI’s during lockdown. Many have an equally relaxed attitude toward testing, just under three in ten Brits believe those who have casual sex should get tested for STIs after every time they have sex with a new sexual partner, while just over one in seven would only get tested if they found out a former or current partner had been diagnosed, while only 12% agree that annual STI testing is required.
Dr Babak Ashrafi, Clinical Lead at ZAVA UK, said: “While the relative threat of Covid has declined significantly in 2022, the health complications of sexually-transmitted infections remain. I always advise patients to use barrier protection like condoms, which significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting STIs, as well as getting tested every time they have a new partner. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve the outcomes of these infections, make them easier to manage, and limit the chances of them spreading further.”
