Cocaine users more likely to have STIs according to study
A leading medical university in the US has found that cocaine users are more likely to have sexually transmitted infections than non-users. Researchers at the John Hopkins University School of Medicine found that the drug brought on a “sexual impatience” which reduces the likelihood that those under the influence would use a condom.
The study saw 12 volunteers, who were all cocaine users, identify people they would be willing to have casual sex with from 60 pictures. They also had to identify those, whom they thought were least likely to have an STI.
The participants were then asked to rate their likelihood of using a condom if one was immediately available. They also had to explain the amount of time they would be willing to wait to get a condom before having sex. The research found that the longer the participant had to wait, the more willing they would be to have sex without one.
Cocaine STI risk
A similar study was published in 2016 which found similar results amongst people who were under the influence of alcohol. However, unlike alcohol, cocaine is found to strongly increase sexual arousal and therefore likely to pose a greater risk overall.
Cocaine use is illegal, highly addictive and poses a number of other risks to physical and mental health. However, Dr Rashid Bani from Your Sexual Health believes condom users could increase their likelihood of using a condom by ensuring they always have some with them when the moment arises.
“Cocaine is dangerous in a number of ways, however those under the influence may be able to improve their chances of practising safe sex by ensuring they always have a condom at hand,” he said. “It’s also important if you do have unprotected sex, whether under the influence or not, that you get tested.”
Private STI Tests from Your Sexual Health
Your Sexual Health have a range of private STI tests which make it easier than ever to diagnose sexually transmitted infections. You can visit one of our many clinics across the UK, whilst our home visits service and postal tests allow you to deposit samples in the comfort of your own home before they are tested in our laboratory.
