Nearly half of single Brits are not getting tested for STIs
### Strictly Embargoed Until 00:01 on 04/02/2022 ### *** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** Shelly and Oliver Ward try the foods available in the new ‘Mood Food’ aisle at Iceland, which has been launched ahead of Valentine’s Day and features the top ten foods that have been voted by Brits most likely to get them in the mood for love, which include ice cream, pizza and roast dinner. The aisle has been created following research by Iceland, which revealed that 6 in 10 people find traditional aphrodisiacs such as oysters are in fact a turn off for them, with 8 in 10 saying that comfort foods are more likely to affect their romantic feelings.
A study from Superdrug Online Doctor highlights a troubling lack of sexual health awareness among Brits. Despite the increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), 80% of the population vastly underestimates the actual number of cases in the UK. Most Brits believe there are between 100,000 and 200,000 new STI cases each year, when in reality, the number is over double, exceeding 400,000 diagnosis. [1]
The study, which surveyed 2,000 single people from across the country, explored the nation’s understanding of STI prevention, risk awareness, and testing.
Why are Brits not using protection?
While many may not be prioritising testing, the question remains: are they staying protected during sexual encounters? The survey found that only 20% of respondents always use protection when having sex with someone for the first time. For the other 80%, factors like “the heat of the moment” (34%) and trusting their partners are STI-free (30%) contribute to skipping protection.
Other influencing factors include wanting to feel more intimate (27%), not being prepared (22%), and being under the influence of alcohol (17%). However, 1 in 10 respondents admitted they do not use protection as they are not fully aware of the risks of STI transmission and 15% of Gen Z respondents feel uncomfortable asking their partners about using protection.
Manchester, Brighton, and London are this season’s STI hotspots
Whilst it was found that Bristol, Glasgow and Manchester are using the least protection, internal experts analysed data from ONS to reveal where has the highest rates of STIs per 100,000 people.
Manchester was the biggest offender with 1,647 diagnoses per 100,000 people, closely followed by Brighton with 1,610 and London with 1,448.
