Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

New survey: 66% of Britain's playing STI lottery

Further to the new Government sexual health initiative, please find below results from a brand new survey into the nation’s sexual habits. Experts available for comment if required. We have access to strong case studies for this.

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TWO THIRDS OF BRITAINS PLAYING STI LOTTERY

A new survey has found that 66% of people in the UK would not get tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like Chlamydia after having unprotected sex with a stranger.

Twenty-eight per cent of these people admitted they would worry but do nothing, a quarter said they would wear a condom next time and the remaining nine per cent said they would ignore the risk because they don’t believe they'll catch anything!

Sixty-one per cent would not tell their partner if they had unprotected sex with someone else whilst a staggering fifty per cent would still not come clean if they caught an STI, opting instead to get treatment in secret. Sixty-nine per cent said they would be more likely to test themselves for an STI if they didn’t have to go to the doctor or a clinic.

The findings from the survey of 2,000 people conducted by SELFCheck - a new range of home health screening tests – combined with the increasing prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in this country suggest that the Government’s public education campaign to change attitudes towards STIs is not working.

Sexual Health Practitioner Carol Robinson says: “People that have unprotected sex are playing a lottery with their health. It is important that people take precautions and take responsibility for their actions, including going for a STI test if necessary. Chlamydia home test kits are a quick and discreet way of detecting one of the most easily treatable and common STIs.”

"The results from this survey are shocking but not very surprising. There appears to be an 'ignorance is bliss' attitude, which is no doubt linked to the stigma associated with STIs. It's very important for young people to understand that rates of STIs are increasing and that having unprotected sex could be risky. It's also important to make access to testing easier, either with home kits, making existing services quicker to get into or establishing clinics in places like leisure centres where they can be easier to access." Rod Watson, Deputy Head of Health Promotion, Terrence Higgins Trust.

The survey also found that twenty-seven per cent have had sex with somebody whose name they did not know or could not remember the next day whilst one in five would have sex with a colleague at the Christmas party!

Chlamydia is the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the UK, now affecting 1 in 10 women aged between the ages of 16 and 24[1]. It is a common, treatable infection that can cause infertility but often has no symptoms.

The new reliable, discreet and accurate SELFCheck range includes a female Chlamydia test priced at £14.99. It is available from selected Tesco stores, Rowlands pharmacies, United Co-op pharmacies, National Co-op pharmacies and Day Lewis pharmacies as well as independent pharmacies nationwide.

For more info, please call 01903 753844 or visit www.selfcheck-tests.com.

-Ends-

Issued by: Pegasus Public Relations

On behalf of: Pasante Healthcare

Press enquiries: Emma Glazier / Chris Webb / Simon Hackett (01903) 821550

Notes to Editors:

Experts available for interview and case studies available on request. Regional statistics available on request.