Young Brits Risk Painful Bits

New research into young Brits has revealed that a staggering 80% don’t think they are at risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI)*, even though a new case is diagnosed every 15 seconds¹ and half of those questioned admitted that at least one of their friends had been affected by an an STI*.

After a few drinks half of the 1000 16-30 year olds questioned admitted to having unprotected sex. The research commissioned by www.playingsafely.co.uk to identify attitudes to sex in the run up to National Condom Week (4th – 10th April) also found that one third of people thought that using a condom ruins the moment.* However the findings showed that men felt more comfortable about using a condom than women, with 88% of men saying that insisting on a condom was not embarrassing.

With more and more cases of sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, gonorrhoea and genital warts being diagnosed, the chances of picking up an STI are much greater than you’d think. So whether you’re single or in the heady swings of a new relationship, the message is clear – the most effective way to avoid getting an STI is to always use a condom.

Sex and relationship expert Dr Petra Boynton, said “National Condom Week is a great excuse to experiment with condoms particularly as they now come in so many different shapes, sizes, textures and tastes. Invest in a few textured ones to give you a new sexual thrill, or find one to suit your mood.”

Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK affecting both men and women. It often has no symptoms and if left untreated it can lead to infertility.

For further information visit www.playingsafely.co.uk or call 0800 567 123. Textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361.

Please note that www.playingsafely.co.uk is an England-based website. Students seeking sexual health clinics elsewhere in the UK should contact NHS Direct (Wales), NHS 24 (Scotland), Health and Care (Northern Ireland), or their local hospital or GP.

* Tickbox survey of 1,000 16 – 30 yr olds, Jan 2005. All figures marked * are extracted from this report.
¹ Health Protection Agency (HPA) July 2004 – STI diagnoses from 1995 – 2003 – England, Wales & Northern Ireland.