January 14th is STI Awareness Day

STI Awareness Day falls on January 14th each year, two weeks after New Year parties, events and get-togethers may have led to new relationships, unplanned intimacy or unprotected sexual contact.

Two weeks is a very relevant period of time as it is fourteen days after sexual contact that the most accurate test results can be obtained for Chlamydia, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Chlamydia affects both men and women, can cause pain and swelling, and can lead to infertility. As well as allowing two weeks from New Year for accurate Chlamydia testing, January 14th is also a good time to book other STI tests and screens because it is one month before Valentine’s Day, the ideal time to make sure of good sexual health for the forthcoming celebration of love and romance.

Why STI Awareness Day?

Having an annual awareness day for sexual health, as with other health conditions, is a positive step in raising awareness. It helps to remove any stigma attached to STI testing by further opening up conversation about an aspect of health that is often overlooked. It also provides an opportunity for Better2Know to share information and encourage good sexual health habits. For example, many people do not know that STIs can be caught through any type of sex (masturbation, oral, vaginal and anal), or that many STIs can develop into serious symptoms, cause permanent damage or become life-threatening. STI Awareness Day will hopefully give more people confidence to take the steps needed for good sexual health without feeling embarrassed.

Some interesting statistics about STIs in England alone:

• During 2014 there were approximately 440,000 STIs diagnosed in England.
• In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the spread of infectious syphilis and gonorrhoea.
• In 2014, Chlamydia was the most commonly diagnosed STI in England accounting for 47% of diagnoses.
(source: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/437433/hpr2215_STI_NCSP_v6.pdf)

Better2Know offers a complete range of STI tests and screens. Click here or call us on STI Awareness Day or any day of the year. We are here 24 hours a day to help you book a test to suit your needs.