STIs or commonly known as Sexually transmitted infections passes from one person to another by having an unprotected sex. But majority of the Brits are unaware of the disease as a result of that which left them untreated.
Lloyds Pharmacy has revealed 63 per cent of Brits have never been tested for and STI - with one in sex saying they 'don't see the point'.
Amanda Dorkes, clinical director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has also revealed most STIs don't have symptoms.
To help encourage people to get tested for National Sexual Health Week, which runs from September 12 to 18, Amanda Dorkes, Clinical Director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, has given her top five reasons to get an STI test.
1. Using a condom doesn't protect you from all STIs
Amanda said: "It's important to have regular STI tests if you are sexually active, especially if you have multiple partners.
"Even if you practice safe sex and wear a condom you won't be protected from STIs which are passed on by skin-to-skin contact. These include; herpes, syphilis and pubic lice.
When LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor conducted a survey asking Brits which STIs condoms protect us from, 71 per cent incorrectly thought condoms protect against syphilis, 58 per cent incorrectly thought condoms protect against herpes, 14 per cent incorrectly thought condoms protect against pubic lice
2. Most STIs do not have symptoms
"Many STIs are asymptomatic which means you may not have any noticeable symptoms," said Amanda.
"If you don't get regular tests you may never find out that you have one.
"Therefore, it's really important to get tested regularly to make sure you don't have an STI and reduce the risk of passing on an STI to a partner.
3. Get treatment as soon as possible
Amanda said: "If you have noticed any symptoms, including those mentioned below, you should go to your GUM clinic instead of testing online.
"This is to ensure that you receive treatment as quickly as possible."
Symptoms include pain when urinating, pain during sex, unusual discharge, a rash, itching, blisters on sore on genitals and bleeding during or after sex.
4. Left untreated STIs can lead to more serious health problems
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK and is one of the main causes of infertility around the world.
Amanda said: "Both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea can develop into Pelvic Inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which causes pain in the pelvic region and can lead to miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies.
"Men can also develop epididymitis, where the testicles become painful and swollen. These can be avoided by getting regular testing and treating STIs as soon as possible."
5. Be honest with your partner
Amanda said: "One third of the country admit to not always using a condom when having sex with a new partner.
"It is particularly important to get tested if you didn't use a condom, but as mentioned earlier, you can still contract some diseases even when you do still use one.
"Worryingly, a fifth of Brits with STIs don't tell their partner.
"It's really important to tell your partner if your results are positive so you can both receive the necessary medication."
The confidential LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor Sexual Health Service allows people to seek advice and treatment online. The service includes tests and treatments for conditions such as chlamydia, herpes and warts."To find out more about STIs please visit NHS
0 comments: