Two thirds of British people never been tested for an STI

Most people will remember sex education in school.

We’ve had it drummed into us from a pretty young age that condoms prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.

Yet, even armed with the knowledge of the risks involved, two thirds of British people have never been tested for an STI.

The study by Lelo, released as part of Sexual Health Week, also found that a quarter of people never use a condom when sleeping with somebody for the first time.

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Kate Moyle from Lelo said: “We found these figures incredibly shocking, especially when we consider that many sexually transmitted infections are symptomless, which highlights the importance of testing even when you feel fine.”

She went on to explain that if left untreated, some STDs can impact your long-term health, such as your ability to get pregnant.

“With this in mind, it seems the risks really do not outweigh the benefits of using condoms which are the most reliable form of contraception for protecting against both unwanted pregnancy and STIs, which when used correctly don’t detract from the enjoyment of sex.”

There’s an air of embarrassment around speaking openly about sexual history. However, keeping the conversation flowing might prove important for your sexual health in the long run.

READ MORE: 7 sex hygiene habits you really shouldn’t skip

People in London have the worst track record for lying about condoms. 29% of Londoners surveyed said they have lied in the past about using condoms when, in fact, they haven’t.

Men are also almost twice more likely than women (15% vs. 8%) to lie about using condoms.

Ever lied about how many sexual partners you’ve had? You’re not alone. A quarter of British people have skewed their numbers with 18-34 year olds being the worst culprits.

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