Research has revealed that more than half the sexually-active British public have never been tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
And not only that, but it seems that the nation lacks knowledge when it comes to how you catch an STI, with 20 per cent believing you can become infected through kissing. Chemist4U’s recent survey of 2,000 Brits revealed some curious findings when it comes to sexual health.
In total, 56 per cent of the British public (16 and over) have never had an STI examination, while just five per cent have been tested within the last three months. And 36 per cent of respondents say they would still be happy having protected sex with a partner despite any positive STI diagnosis.
Other ways the public think you can catch an STI are trying on underwear (13 per cent), toilet seats (12 per cent), swimming (eight per cent) or even sharing a drink (eight per cent). While this does vary depending on the STI type, it’s highly unlikely – for example, it is impossible to catch Chlamydia through any of the factors listed.
People, though, have become more honest about their sexual health in the past five years – in 2017, Chemist4U’s survey revealed that 72 per cent of Brits did not share with sexual partners that they had tested positive for an STI. This number has now dropped to 16 per cent.
James O’Loan, CEO and prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U said of the findings: “Our research has revealed that 13 per cent of respondents have previously tested positive for sexually transmitted infections, yet only seven per cent of the public have tested in the last year. The number of positive results could be much higher if people were to view looking after their sexual health as routine as a dentist appointment or eye test.
"This has not only highlighted the need for better education on STIs and how to look after your sexual health, but also the problems that are caused by the stigma surrounding STIs”.
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