For many, a holiday romance is something to look back on with fond memories. but once the tan has faded and the photos have been shoved into the back of a drawer, some people may discover they have brought home the worst kind of souvenir.
The majority of holiday makers go away to relax, explore and have fun, but it’s also true that many actively seek out a liaison in the sun. and in the heat of the moment, they can get carried away and end up having unprotected sex.
From September 13-19, Sexual Health Week will provide an opportunity to discuss the current scale of the problem of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and infections (STIs) in the UK, and to offer support to those at risk of, or already suffering from, an STD.
In the UK, 10 per cent of 15-24-year-olds have chlamydia and a significant proportion of STDs are contracted abroad.
While away from home and the constraints and responsibilities of daily life, people make decisions they perhaps wouldn’t dream of making normally.
Alcohol often plays a part, as can drugs. but even in the absence of those influences, simply being on holiday – somewhere hot and sunny – can lead to many making the wrong choices.
“Travel and new experiences are likely to encourage people to have sex with a new partner while they’re away,” says Juliette Yardley, a behavioral and relationship expert.
“At home, practising safe sex would be routine but on holiday people do really throw caution to the wind and have unprotected sex.
“Being somewhere hot and sunny can have a liberating effect on young people in particular, and they do tend to actively seek out relationships in a more cavalier fashion.
“Sadly, once back in the cold light of day, it can all turn very wrong when they may return home with an STD.”
But while people wouldn’t dream of going on holiday without proper sun protection, the same doesn’t seem to ring true for holiday sex. Experts stress that it is better to be prepared before you travel if you do enjoy holiday romances.
Sarah Stephenson, project manager at Greater Manchester Sexual Health Network, is speaking out in favour of being prepared and has a strong message when it comes to safe sex.
“The way to protect yourself from chlamydia?,” she asks. “Condoms. Don’t forget to pack some before you go – and remember to use them.
“Even if someone has been drinking alcohol, it’s crucial they remember about safe sex in the heat of the moment and, equally important is that they use the condom correctly.”
So, what happens to people’s safe sex sense when they’re away from home? “People let their guard down on holiday, and do things they wouldn’t dream of doing at home,” explains Sarah, who adds that the problem isn’t limited to the younger generation.
“It can also be people coming out of long term relationships who are starting to date again and suddenly feel more liberated.”
Sarah says it’s important to always buy condoms with the CE mark on the packet, which means they have been tested to the high safety standards that are required in Europe. Condoms that don’t have the CE mark won’t meet these standards.
Condoms can also be damaged by oil-based products like sun-screen, baby oil and lipstick and, because heat can also affect them, they should be stored in a cool, dry place throughout your trip.
“Bear in mind that a condom doesn’t just protect against unintended pregnancy,” says Sarah. “It helps protect against pregnancy and STIs.”
Information on how to use a condom properly is available online via the the NHS website (nhs.uk/livewell and click on the sexual health tab). but what if a holidayer does return from holiday knowing that they didn’t practise safe sex?
Unfortunately many do. this year (2009/10), more than 80,000 15 to 24-year-old men and women were screened across Greater Manchester for chlamydia and gonorrhoea – that’s just under 21 per cent.
Out of those, eight per cent tested positive for chlamydia.
The message from the experts is, if you are concerned you may have contracted an STD, get screened as soon as possible.
Diane Cordwell is programme leader for RU Clear, Greater Manchester Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea Screening, and says: “Chlamydia, which can affect both men and women, is the most common sexually transmitted infection and left untreated it can cause infection in other parts of the body, sometimes with serious long-term complications like ectopic pregnancy or infertility.
“Most people do not have any symptoms so might not know they have the infection. but if they have been on holiday and had unprotected sex, they need to be screened.”
Throughout August, RU Clear, an NHS service, is running a major advertising campaign in the arrivals section of Manchester Airport in a bid to encourage screening among holiday makers aged 16-24.
Young people can text TEST AIRPORT to 84010, stating their name, date of birth and address. Diane explains: “Within a couple of weeks they will receive a simple, free, test kit which just asks them to urinate into a small pot and return it to us, and they will receive the results within two weeks.
“It goes without saying that the whole process is completely confidential, painless and quick.”
For those who receive a positive result, Diane says treatment can be done at one of 400 local treatment sites across Greater Manchester.
“Again, it is confidential and includes taking four tablets which take a week to work,” she adds.
“We also treat the current partner and will need to go back over the infected person’s previous six month’s sexual history.”
For those who have contracted an STD, there is a solid support network offering advice and counselling. Sara Rowbothham is team co-ordinator at the
Crisis Intervention Team, based at Sexual Health Promotion, Penn Street, Rochdale, offering a unique service to young people with a one-to-one support programme on sexual health issues.
Sara says: “Last year, we helped more than 700 young people, many with often complex and difficult cases, and we are a confidential support service.
“I think it’s important to point out that, while we are pushing home the message of safe sex on holiday here, we do need to make people aware of the whole picture.
“Safe sex is also about keeping yourself safe, for example keeping a clear head so you don’t find yourself in a position of being coerced into sex, manipulated or even raped.
“Our team is here to help with all these issues and for both men and women.
“We offer on-going support and unbiased, confidential advice on all sexual health topics, positive pregnancy testing and we also offer on-site chlamydia screening with follow up support.”
FACTFILE
Chlamydia is now the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease among young people in the UK, with genital warts being the most common viral STD.
Since 1999, the number of annual cases of chlamydia has more than doubled. In 2008, there were 123,018 new diagnoses of chlamydia. In the UK, young people between the ages of 16-24 are most at risk of being diagnosed with an STD.
- Vaginal discharge
- The need to urinate more often
- Pain on urinating or during sex
- Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen
- Any irregular bleeding between periods or after sex
- Discharge from the tip of the penis
- Pain and burning when urinating
- Irritation at the tip of the penis
- Painful swelling of the testicles
- Sexual Health Week: fpa.org.uk/Campaignsandadvocacy/SexualHealthWeek.
- RU Clear: ruclear.co.uk/chlamydia; confidential advice line 0800 0461 303.
- Sexual Health Network: sexualhealthnetwork.co.uk
- Crisis Intervention Team: hmr.nhs.uk, or 01706 517 613