New data from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor shows there was an 81% increase in sales of STI kits through their social channel and a 65% spike in sales of the ellaOne morning after pill following the Bank Holiday weekend.
The end of August saw brits letting loose now that social distancing requirements have been relaxed. However, new statistics revealed by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor showed that orders of at-home STI test kits and morning after pills surged in response to the long weekend.
Sales of the ellaOne morning after pill rocketed by 65% on the Monday and Tuesday after the Bank Holiday compared to the previous week. Likewise, Lloyds saw a 38% spike in sales of Levonorgestrel.
Both pills are effective at preventing pregnancy, Levonorgestrel when it’s taken within 3 days of unprotected sex, and ellaOne within 5 days. The pills can be taken multiple times within the same cycle, but should never be used as a form of regular contraception.
You can get the pill for free from most GP surgeries, pharmacies and sexual health clinics, but it’s also possible to request and pay for emergency contraception online, but make sure these are from trusted online providers.
Although the tests are designed for people without STI symptoms, it’s recommended that anyone who has a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner gets tested. Anyone who has had sex without a condom or is worried that they’ve been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection is also advised to get a test.
STI tests are a quick and discreet way to check on your sexual health, if you don't have symptoms you can get them from an online service like Online Doctor - they arrive in discreet packaging, and results can be delivered within three working days.
Anyone with symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, should attend their local sexual health clinic or GP for testing. Symptoms can include: unusual discharge from the vagina or penis; pain or discomfort in the pelvis, testicles or penis; abnormal bleeding from the vagina; discomfort, discharge or bleeding from the rectum.
Further advice about the morning after pill and STI treatments can be found on the Lloyds Pharmacy Online Doctor website .
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