Breaking the stigma: De-stigmatising STIs

As a society, we are slowly talking about sex more openly. Dismantling the taboo of sex is definitely a good thing as it allows us to feel more comfortable when talking about our sexual needs with a potential partner. However, the conversation changes when the subject of sexual transmitted infections (STIs) comes up.

Unsurprisingly, as a nation we are still uncomfortable with discussing STIs. After the AIDs epidemic of the 90s, many people still feel afraid of the reaction to an STI diagnosis. Although one person every four minutes is diagnosed with an STI in the UK, a large stigma surrounding STIs still remains integrated in our society.

Due to this air of shame, many people are hesitant to get tested when they suspect they may have contracted an STI. This is incredibly dangerous as, if left untreated, STIs can lead to serious health complications such as infertility, Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID), and ectopic pregnancies.

In 2021, there were 311,604 STIs diagnosed in the UK. This is just under 900 per day. With such large numbers of infections happening each year, it’s important that we each take steps to protect ourselves and our partners from becoming one of these statistics.

One of the best ways to ensure safety from sexually transmitted infections is the use of barrier type contraception (e.g. condoms). Though, it’s still vital to get tested regularly so if you are infected, you can catch it early and diminish your chances of passing it on or suffering from long- term issues.

There are many organisations that offer free STI screening kits that you can do easily at home. Sexual health Sheffield (Request A Self-Testing Kit | Sexual Health Sheffield - Meeting Your Sexual Health Needs) is a service that is free for anyone who lives in the Sheffield area. You can register for and receive a home testing kit within a matter of days and get reliable results quickly. Royal Hallamshire Hospital also have a sexual health clinic with long opening hours so you can find an appointment to fit your schedule.

Another step in the right direction would be for us all trying to have more open discussions surrounding STIs with our sexual partners. Asking them if they have been tested recently, or how many people they’ve been with since they last got tested can give you an insight on how seriously this person takes their sexual health, allowing you to make an informed decision as to whether it’s a risky partnership or not.

The demographic most susceptible to catching an STI is young people, aged 15-24, and STIs are mostly asymptomatic, particularly in women. Therefore, if you fall into this age category, it’s especially important to keep on top of your own sexual health.

If you receive an STI diagnosis, or are worried about a potential infection, it is incredibly important to discuss this with your GP and to receive a diagnosis. Don’t be ashamed to talk about it.

STI Rates in the U.K: The Most Common STI in the U.K Plus STI Statistics (LetsGetChecked USA: Home Health Test Kits & Enterprise Wellness Solutions)

STI Complications: What can go wrong if STIs are left Untreated? (Dr. Seb UK - Independent Online Medical News (drseb.com))

Edited by Olivia Warburton