Keeping abreast of sexual health doesn’t seem of concern for a third of UK couples, as new research reveals that they have never had an STI test.
These figures are shocking considering the average British couple have had 26 sexual partners across both partners’ histories and 71% confess that they don’t regularly use any form of barrier protection, like condoms, with their significant other.
The survey by www.UKMedix.com, an online pharmacy specialising in sexual health, formed part of wider research into Britons’ sexual habits and relationships. 2,218 British citizens took part in the study, all of whom were aged between 18 and 35 and were in a relationship of at least 12 months.
What’s more, as 71% admitted to not using barrier protection, only 17% stated that it was something that caused concern for them.
Sarah Bailey of UKMedix.com commented on the findings:
“The fact that so many of us are not using appropriate protection with our sexual partners and not getting tested for STDs is very concerning. To be in a relationship where there is a shared history of 26 sexual partners and never having a check-up is just a recipe for disaster – and this seems to be the case for a very high number of people in the UK. We are in a developed country with a fantastic NHS service and sex education on the curriculum; there’s really no excuse for this.
“I have no idea what excuses are being used, but none are good enough to risk your health and the health of your partner. It’s time to bite the bullet and get down the clinic. Even if you’ve had no symptoms, you could still be carrying something. In this case, ignorance can be incredibly dangerous.”
tagged in Sexually Transmitted Infection Sexual Health