A SIGNIFICANT proportion of the Irish public have never been tested for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
That’s according to new research from Medicine Direct, which shows 47% of Irish people have never gone for a sexual health check-up with their doctor.
The study, commission as part of the company’s Fruit of your Loins campaign, has been put together to raise awareness about STIs and reduce the stigma attached to these conditions.
A total of 500 people were surveyed as part of the research with just over half (51%) stating that they are confident of recognising the symptoms of an STI.
Around one in five (22%) admitted they struggle to recognise STI symptoms while one in eight (12%) were not at all confident of discovering this kind of condition.
More significantly, however, is the statistic that just two in five respondents (39%) felt they practiced safe sex.
Around one in six Irish people (16%) would also never discuss their sexual past with a partner while, worryingly, two in three (66%) said they would not immediately consult a doctor about a sexual health concern.
18% of respondents said they would turn to Google for advice in researching STI symptoms, while 17% would consult a medical website.
