Britons taking STI risks on holiday claims survey

Jane Kirby,Pa
Thursday 18 August 2011 07:38 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

More than one in three Britons (35%) has had unprotected sex with a stranger or new partner while on holiday, according to a poll.

Those in their 50s are the least likely to use contraception with a new lover - about 16% compared with 4% of those aged 26 to 30 and 6% of people aged 22 to 25.

The survey of 3,000 people found alcohol and poor availability of condoms abroad as major reasons people do not use protection.

One in five over-50s said lack of condoms was the main reason they did not bother, while more than one in 10 blamed drink.

The poll included 144 people aged 51 to 55, 174 aged over 56, 497 aged 22 to 25 and 652 aged 26 to 30.

The research found people were willing to throw caution to the wind while abroad and enjoy a holiday romance or "quick fling".

Some 17% of those aged 51 to 55 said they would embark on a short-lived romance, while the figure rose to 30% of those aged 22 to 25.

Overall, more than one in eight women said they were embarrassed to ask about contraception when having sex with a new partner.

The Co-operative Pharmacy, which commissioned the research said May to September was the time of year people were most likely to visit sexual health clinics because of worries about sexually-transmitted infections (STIs).

Pharmacist Lisa McCreesh said: "On holiday people often get more amorous. We are urging people to remember that condoms provide the most effective protection against STIs.

"If you have had unprotected sex, it is important to get a check-up as you may not show any symptoms."

England's chief medical officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, added: "Left untreated, sexually transmitted infections can lead to health problems - whatever your age, always wear a condom to protect yourself."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in