STI tests surge by 51% as sex infection cases on the rise in the UK

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Randy Brits have been warned of a sex infection rise following the coronavirus lockdowns.

According to new stats, STI tests rose by 51% at the end of the first bout of restrictions in March 2020.

Google searches for the morning after pill also saw an increase with 41% more people curious about the contraception.

It's no surprise given the fact the UK faced a casual sex ban to reduce the rate of infection for coronavirus.

Over in Australia, a campaign was launched to urge people to get tested for STIs ahead of "Freedom Friday".

After it was reported that syphilis is on the rise in Australia, we asked an expert to discuss sexually transmitted diseases in the UK.

Hussain Abdeh, the clinical director and pharmacist at Medicine Direct, said STI cases have risen across the country in the last year.

In light of new stats, it showed that STI tests rose by 51%, while 41% more people were searching the morning after pill.

But despite the increases, it discovered that chlamydia infections were at a 5-year low during the lockdowns.

Brits are at risk of spreading syphilis because not many people who have it realise it's with them.

According to the expert, it can often be symptomless and so easily spread as a result.

  • Over half of women didn't realise they were going through menopause – until months later

Another risk of syphilis is that the symptoms can also clear in just a couple of weeks without the need for any treatment.

Syphilis is not spoken about as other STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea but it can cause serious physical and mental damage.

Since some STIs have clear symptoms, it's still advised to get a test every now and again to avoid the risk of spreading it.

With chlamydia, you can do tests at home or speak to your local sexual health clinic who can give you advice.

Practicing safe sex with condoms is also advised as the contraception has a 98% chance of preventing the spread of STIs.

If you're unsure of your options for birth control you can reach out to a medical practitioner for personalised advice.

Hussain told Daily Star: "It was inevitable that sexual activity would increase with the easing of lockdown after a turbulent year.

"What is most surprising is that more people are searching for STI tests now than they were before the lockdown had even started.

"In fact it's quite a significant increase with 51% more people now requesting STI tests throughout the UK.

"The data also uncovered a sharp increase in people requesting the morning after pill."

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He added: "Lockdown and the lack of access to pharmacies is likely to have disrupted women's contraceptive pill cycle.

"This would explain the increase of requests for the morning after pill during the lockdown.

"However STI tests and morning after pill requests now remain even higher than the pre lockdown levels.

"This would suggest carelessness and a level of neglect to one's own sexual health."

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