Sun, Sea and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Every year, residents of the UK go on over 30 million overseas holidays. Research has shown that young people are likely to have more sexual encounters while on holiday compared to if they were at home – often without the use of condoms or Femidoms. So, to enjoy a stress –free holiday, try to plan ahead… condoms, sunscreen, sanitary protection, finance and not forgetting, your passport and tickets!

Handy Holiday Hints

• When buying condoms abroad, ensure that they are good
  quality ones. Better still, buy them here before you go and
  check for the  or  &  British Kitemark symbols.
  Always check the expiry date – condoms don’t last forever.
  
• Sunscreen and after sun lotion contain oils that damage condoms. Heat can also damage condoms, so keep them in a cool, dry place. Never leave them in direct sunlight.
• Time zones, flying, holiday medication and illnesses can affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Check with your nurse, GP or health advisor for more information.
• If you suffer from upset stomachs or diarrhoea while abroad and are sick within two hours of taking your contraceptive pill, it will not have been absorbed. This means you will not be protected, so you must use condoms whilst symptoms persists and for seven days after.
• You can’t tell by looking at someone if they’ve got a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) so act responsibly and protect your own health by always using condoms.
• Although most STIs can be cleared up with the right treatment, there is still no vaccine for HIV and no cure for AIDS. Even if you only have unprotected sex once, you could be at risk.

If you would like a free sexual health summer pack sent to you, please fill in the form below. Your details will be kept confidential and will not be passed on to anyone else.