I asked 1700 people about their sexual health habits and the results were shocking!

This week marks World Sexual Health Week, and with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) rising by 24% in the UK, I decided to explore public awareness around sexual health. In this post, I share insights from asking the general public about their experiences and understanding of sexual health and STI prevention.

The Shocking State of Sexual Health

The results were shocking and provided insight as to why STI rates are on the rise. Here are some of the results;

over 30% of participants have never been tested for an STI, and even more shockingly, 20% have no plans to be tested. How are we supposed to protect each other from STI’s if we aren’t aware of our status, and why are people choosing not to test?

1 in 3 people say that comfort is more important to them than safe sex. Does more need to be done to improve the comfort of condoms? or could alternative protective measures be better discussed and available in order to improve sexual health?

interestingly the majority of people are at least somewhat knowledgable about STI’s, contraceptives and protection. Suggesting it is not this that is impacting safety, rather other barriers, could it be access? Stigma? comfort? something else? or more likely a combination of these factors. More importantly what can be done to change this?

Perhaps most shockingly less than half of participants are aware of and accessing the available healthcare, with 20% completely unaware.

Being a qualified sex educator and within the adult industry I am very aware of my own sexual health, and unashamed of discussing it with potential partners. An STI could put me out of action for weeks so routine monthly checks and cert swapping is a required practice. But even with this requirement it has sometimes been difficult for me to be safe. Accessing a full certified panel in Devon has proven very difficult, and even when I have had a standard check in an NHS office I have felt lectured or been dismissed to only need a Chlamidia test. Additionally I have been on nights out where I have had the opportunity to have sex only to have no access to protection due to the time. Many people are also resistant to use condoms due to them being perceived as not feeling as good as the research supports, and shockingly a large percentage are not even aware of their options regarding testing and sexual health care. Many people feel fear over discussing or disclosing information about their sexual health and it seems the stigma and perceived ‘dirtiness’ ignited by the HIV crisis of the 80’s still has lasting effect. It is clear then that a lot more needs to be done to improve the sexual health of the nation.

So with that I implore you to get sexual health aware. Get tested, it’s quick easy and could save yourself and others a lot of heartache. Most people are entirely symptom free when they have an STI and so are unknowingly spreading infection. Most STI’s are completely treatable or entirely curable so with knowledge we can together improve the health of the world, simply by accessing the care that is already available to us.

This research has been enlightening and I want to thank those that took part, your honestly will potentially help support change. In future I would like to explore many more topics including looking deeper into the factors that influence the decision making in regards to sexual health so keep an eye open for follow up topics.

Love always,

Alice x