NEW research has revealed that Southampton has some of the highest sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates in the UK.
With all remaining coronavirus restrictions now lifted, experts at From Mars say “more people will be looking to get a bit frisky”.
With this in mind they have created a new interactive STI Calculator which reveals how likely you are to come into contact with an STI in the city.
So, how at risky is getting frisky in Southampton?
Currently the new diagnosis rate for STI’s is around 1,222 people per 100,000 people, placing Southampton as the 28th highest risk area out of 149 areas in the UK.
Chlamydia is the most prevalent STI in the city with around 785 people per 100,000 contracting the infection.
Second highest is Gonorrhoea with a rate of 114 per 100,000 and in third place is Genital Warts with a rate of 106 cases per 100,000 people.
Genital herpes saw around 66 cases per 100,000 people and New HIV (in people aged 15 and older) had a rate of 13.9.
The two lowest STI’s were Syphilis with a diagnostic rate of 13.1 and HIV (in people aged 15-59) at 2.6 cases per 100,000.
Navin Khosla, Superintendent Pharmacist at FROM MARS explained why the calculator has been created and the importance of having safe sex.
“Here at FROM MARS, we understand the importance of sexual health and why it’s vital we all have safe and enjoyable sex. We wanted to create the STI Calculator so that people across the UK could get a better understanding of the most prevalent STIs in their local area and how ‘at risk’ they are of catching one if safe sex isn’t abided by.”
He continued: “The calculator is extremely easy to use and we hope it comes in useful for as many people as possible. Simply select your region and you will be given the number of STI cases in your area, as well as the most common STIs.
“It’s crucial we all have safe sex and use a form of protection which is best suited to our bodies. For men, it’s advised that a condom should always be used, regardless of whether your female partner is on the contraceptive pill or not. There are many forms of contraception for women and your GP is on hand to talk you through your best options, as well to help put your mind at ease.”
You can use the calculator here
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