HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is urging Oxford holiday makers setting off for a break this August to reduce the risk of picking up chalmydia and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by remembering to pack their condoms.

A recent study suggested that as many as 5% of European travellers engage in casual sex while abroad, half of which is unprotected¹. Every year, hundreds of British holiday makers come home with an STI as a souvenir, and approximately one in twelve 16-25 year olds currently have chlamydia. Part of the reason chlamydia is so widespread is that most people with the infection have no symptoms, and it only takes one sexual encounter to pass it on. If left untreated it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

The best way to guard against chlamydia and other STIs is by always using a condom when having sex. Holiday makers should ensure they take an adequate supply of condoms with them in addition to their usual contraception. Condoms should also be stored out of direct sunlight and kept separate from oil-based suncreams and aftersun lotions, which may degrade the material.

Joshua Hall, Centre Manager for THT in Oxford, said: "With the growing concerns about increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections, it is important that holiday makers protect themselves against more than a bit of sun stroke. Condoms are available free of charge from many sexual health services, so we would encourage people to stock up before they travel. We want holiday makers to have fun and enjoy themselves, but we don't want them to come back from their trip with any unwanted souvenirs."

Notes

1. European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases.

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust