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STI tests now a bigger milestone than meeting the parents

STI tests now a bigger milestone than meeting the parents

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 04 March 2010

Frank discussions about the importance of being tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia are an important indicator of a lasting relationship, according to a surprising new survey out today.

A Populus poll of over 1,000 young adults found that nearly three quarters (70 per cent) rank discussing STI tests together as the most important sign that a new relationship will last. This has overtaken more traditional milestones such as meeting the parents (66 per cent) or friends (40 per cent).

The research was conducted on behalf of the Chlamydia. Worth Talking About campaign* which encourages sexually active under-25-year-olds to say ‘yes’ to chlamydia testing.

The results provide a snapshot of modern relationships in the UK, with young adults indicating that they thought getting past the following milestones would lead to long-lasting relationship success:

1. Talking openly about sexual history and discussing STI tests together – 70 per cent
2. Meeting the parents – 66 per cent
3. Not always having to wear makeup – 47 per cent
4. Meeting friends – 40 per cent
5. Being given space in the cupboard to leave clothes – 30 per cent

However, while respondents aspire to have open and honest conversations with new sexual partners, many get tongue-tied. The majority (73 per cent) have never raised the subject of STIs with a new partner before having sex for the first time, while a third (30 per cent) feel uncomfortable asking a new partner to use a condom.

Lack of confidence is the problem, with more than one in four respondents (27 per cent) admitting that they are too embarrassed to talk to their partner about subjects including safe sex, STIs and contraception.

Public Health Minister Gillian Merron said:

“STIs can be a difficult subject to talk about, but it's encouraging that young couples are starting to see beyond that. The Government’s Chlamydia. Worth Talking About campaign aims to get young people discussing STIs and saying “yes” to chlamydia tests.”

Sex and relationship expert Dr Catherine Hood, said:

“These findings reveal much about the modern relationship game. While many young couples realise the significance of being able to talk openly about accepting tests for STIs, sheer embarrassment is preventing them from doing so, and potentially risking their sexual health as well as the future of their relationship.”

The research identifies a critical window of opportunity during the start of a relationship to get things right. Almost a third of respondents (29 per cent) believe that for a relationship to last, new couples need to have had an open discussion about STIs, including chlamydia, within the first three months of making it official. Half of respondents (48 per cent) were clear that a new partner who was unwilling to discuss these topics would not be around for long.

“Chlamydia often doesn’t have any symptoms, and so the only way for young people to find out if they have it is to say ‘yes’ to a free chlamydia test if they are offered one by a healthcare professional. If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to infertility and other serious health problems, and so it’s vital that new couples take responsibility for their own sexual health by talking openly about safe sex,” concludes Dr Catherine.

For straightforward information and advice about sex, relationships and contraception, young adults should visit www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout.go.uk.

Notes to Editors

*The Chlamydia. Worth Talking About campaign

Chlamydia. Worth Talking About is part of the overarching Sex. Worth Talking About campaign that aims to promote more open discussions about sex, relationships and contraception among 16-24 year olds and their parents. Sex. Worth Talking About is funded by the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families and supported by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP).

Chlamydia. Worth Talking About aims to encourage greater acceptance of chlamydia testing among sexually active under 25 year olds. For information around chlamydia testing, contraception and other information about sexual health, visit: www.nhs.uk/worthtalkingabout.

About the research

Populus interviewed a sample of 1,243 people aged 15-24 online between 15 th and 21 st December 2009. The data has been weighted to be representative of young people aged 15-24 in England. Populus is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. For more details please go to www.populus.co.uk

About Dr Catherine Hood

Dr.Catherine Hood is qualified in all areas of general medicine and is an expert in relationships and sexual health. She gives weekly advice through her regular page as the Sunday Mirror’s Sex Doctor.

Catherine trained in medicine at Oxford University where she continues to work as a lecturer in communication and a clinical tutor in general practice, helping the doctors to talk effectively with their patients. She continues to see patients in sexual health clinics and is trained in psychosexual medicine.

About the NCSP

The National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) is a control and prevention programme targeted at sexually active young people under 25 years old. Through the early detection and treatment of asymptomatic infection the programme aims to reduce onward transmission to sexual partners and prevent the consequences of untreated infection.

If chlamydia in women is not treated, it can cause health problems including infection and inflammation inside the reproductive system which could result in infertility. In men untreated chlamydia can cause painful inflammation in one or both testicles. It's thought that chlamydia might also lead to reduced fertility or infertility in men.

To find out more about the consequences of untreated chlamydia log on to www.chlamydiascreening.nhs.uk/ys/bigdeal.html

Chlamydia statistics

1. Last year, the total number of chlamydia cases diagnosed by genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics and by other community services including the NCSP sites was 200,959

2. Between April 2008 and March 2009, 7% of people tested through the National Chlamydia Screening Programme had the chlamydia infection - that is nearly one in 14 young people (15-24 year olds)

For further information, please contact the Department of Health Press Office on: 020 7210 5221.

Contacts:

Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk

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