Sex and health education has changed a lot over the last few decades. Depending on where you grew up, it’s more than likely that the syllabus being taught in schools now bears little to no resemblance to what was on offer when you were there. However, this has serious implications for your health and wellbeing as you get older. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise in the US and the UK, research has found that British and American adults are experiencing a knowledge gap when it comes to STDs, perhaps due to a lack of educational programming.
Both the US and UK are seeing spikes in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. Along with a decline in condom use, the CDC reports that STD programming at the state and local level is lacking, and fewer people are receiving care due to budget cuts. Research conducted by the Superdrug Online Doctor found that when answering their 16 question STD quiz, the average score in the US was 35% and it was lower at 31% for UK respondents. That constitutes a fail in most high school health classes. Millennials had the most competent STD knowledge with their score averaging at 36% and Gen Z has the most to learn, with an average score of 30%.
42% of Americans could identify one symptom of chlamydia and women were more aware of how it could manifest. 66% of female respondents knew it doesn’t always show signs, compared to 47% of men. Superdrug Online Doctor attributed this to the fact that doctors have publicized the fact the chlamydia can be asymptomatic in women and can cause serious fertility issues, such as premature births and ectopic pregnancies.
Sex education isn’t standardized and no matter how open you are, there’s still taboo attached to certain conditions. “Talking about sexual health is often difficult for people as it’s such a personal and intimate issue. That’s why there’s always been a lot of misinformation and urban myths going around,” says Dr. Babak Ashrafi, at Superdrug Online Doctor, “the more we open up about sexual health and destigmatize it, the better informed we’ll all be.”
The prospect of contracting a sexually transmitted disease is scary but there are so many precautions you can take. Condoms are about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and also protect you against most STDs. However, 63% of Americans and 54% of Brits thought wearing a male and female condom would be extra effective. This is a myth and might reduce its effectiveness.
If you’re sexually active you also have to take responsibility for your sexual health. “The key is accessibility. Restrictive opening hours or long waiting times can deter people from getting issues checked out, which can, in turn, see symptoms worsen and infections spread further due to delayed treatment,” says Dr. Simran Deo at UK-based online doctor, Zava UK, “this can in some cases lead to the need for more invasive treatments and can have an impact on fertility and general wellbeing. There is also the issue of embarrassment, many people are hesitant to speak to a doctor or medical professional about their sexual health, or would simply rather not know. Increasing awareness of online services and test-kits is a really good way to combat these accessibility issues.”
Walk-in centers, your gynecologist, online doctors and nonprofit organizations can provide crucial information to help you get clued up on the symptoms and consequences of STDs. They also provide crucial testing services. However, as many people are still in self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and going to your doctor is ill-advised, using online resources is your best option at this time. “Our doctors at Superdrug Online Doctor are all on hand to offer personalized, confidential advice to anyone who needs it. Just message us through your account with your questions. Otherwise, your GP or local sexual health clinic are excellent sources of information, where you can also get the tests you need,” says Dr Ashrafi.
Just because you’re in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t mean you have to let your sexual or reproductive health suffer. STDs are on the rise in the US and UK and as some can leave you with long-lasting medical complications or even infertility it’s so important to empower yourself with knowledge.
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