Don’t let STDs spoil the vibe this February, says Your Sexual Health
Following a boozy festive season, the UK’s leading private STD testing provider is encouraging people to get checked before the Valentine’s Day romance begins as it’s estimated as many as 70% of women and 50% of men who have chlamydia don’t know they are infected*.
The festive season and Valentine’s Day see people enjoying themselves and joining in the celebrations, which comes with increased risks of catching or passing on sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). With many STDs showing little to no symptoms, Your Sexual Health urges people to get tested now to avoid serious health complications.
Dr Rashid Bani, GP and Medical Director for Your Sexual Health, says: “As many as 70% of women and 50% of men who are infected with chlamydia don’t experience any symptoms. The danger is that if left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can cause long-term health problems, including infertility. And that’s just one STD. 70% of trichomoniasis cases go undiagnosed and 5 in 10 women with gonorrhoea will not show symptoms either.”
That’s where testing comes in handy.
“Testing regularly can identify even asymptomatic STDs, which can prevent serious health complications down the line,” Dr Bani adds. “Taking one test can be the difference between getting simple treatment (e.g. taking antibiotics) versus not being able to conceive.”
Indeed, most STIs can be treated and while public awareness has increased significantly in the last years, there is still more to be done, especially regarding the regularity of testing. A lot of people still get tested only when symptoms appear and/or don’t realise they should get tested every time they change a partner. But with Valentine’s Day approaching in less than a month, it’s not too late to get checked.
“For people that are planning to have or have recently had sex with a new partner, it’s imperative to get tested now,” Dr Bani explains. “With the testing technology available today, you can get results within minutes with same-day tests and in less than a week with private testing.”
In fact, demand for private sexual health testing has more than tripled since the COVID-19 pandemic began according to data and sales figures gathered by Your Sexual Health. Paul Marks, Director for Your Sexual Health, said: “Our customers tell us that the shorter appointment waiting times, faster turnaround and guaranteed confidentiality of the service are the main reasons why they decide to opt for private STD testing.”
Total Searches for Private STD-related Queries over Time
With the increased strain on public services following NHS strikes and reduced availability of STD testing services offered by the NHS, Your Sexual Health continues to offer an alternative testing service that guarantees quick results and shorter waiting times. To find out more visit www.yoursexualhealth.co.uk or contact the business on 0161 660 2599.
ENDS
Useful Links
*NHS: How soon do STI symptoms appear? https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/how-soon-do-sti-symptoms-appear/
**Press Release: Demand for Private Sexual Health Services Has More Than Tripled Since the Pandemic. 20/12/2022 https://yoursexualhealth.co.uk/demand-for-private-sexual-health-services-has-more-than-tripled-since-the-pandemic/