New research has revealed that 91% of the UK say an STI would have a negative impact on their mental health, confidence, relationships, social life, love life, or even career.

Superdrug conducted the survey of 2,000 sexually active adults, to help break the taboo around STIs and help people to openly discuss their experiences more, while understanding the impact a diagnosis can have as a result of the current stigma.

A huge 91% say that an STI diagnosis would negatively impact their mental health, relationships, social life, love life, general confidence, and even their career:

Negatively impact love life: 53%

Negatively impact relationships with partners: 52%

Negatively impact general confidence: 47%

Negatively impact mental health: 43%

Negatively impact social life: 22%

Negatively impact career: 8%

As a result of these perceived impacts in so many aspects of life, the most trusted group of people to speak to about an STI was a doctor, with 75% saying they would feel comfortable speaking to a medical professional if they had an STI.

However, most don’t feel able to confide with anyone other than a professional, with 63% saying they wouldn’t feel comfortable going to their friends, 90% not wanting to speak to their parents or siblings, and almost 1 in 2 wouldn’t even speak to their long-term partner about it.

Expert Tips for talking about STIs

Talking about sex and STIs can be tricky, especially with someone who you are, or planning to be, intimate with. We spoke to Julia Kotziamani, a love, sex and relationship expert and educator, as well as sexologist, Jess O’Reilly (PhD), who provided their top tips for talking to a partner about STIs.

Start the conversation early

Get knowledgeable about STIs

Be open and accepting

Remove the shame

Stay up to date with testing

Remember the first time is the hardest

Consider your partner’s discomfort in the topic

Be prepared for their reaction

For a more detailed insight into how to approach this topic visit: https://onlinedoctor.superdrug.com/simply-talk-about-it/