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