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At the moment marks the beginning of Sexual Well being Week. Dr Naveen Puri, Affiliate Medical Director at Bupa Well being Clinics feedback on current Bupa UK analysis on sexual well being based mostly on inner Google search habits July 2021 – June 2022.
Bupa analysis reveals three quarters of over 55s have by no means had a sexual well being test. Alongside this, our analysis discovered will increase* in Google searches for STI signs:
Swollen testicle with ache – 243% Google search increaseGreen discharge that means – 200% Google search increaseBurning sensation whereas urinating – 127% Google search increasePainful intercourse 120% – Google search increaseItching in non-public space male – 83% Google search improve
‘Swollen testicle with ache’
Searches for this time period have elevated by an alarming 243% from Could 2021 to June 2022. Volumes have elevated significantly from October 2021 to March 2022.
When you’re struggling with painful or swollen testicles, no matter whether or not you’ve ever had unprotected intercourse, you need to all the time communicate to a well being skilled. Though it’s uncommon, swollen, painful testicles generally is a signal of testicular most cancers so you need to all the time go to your GP to test you over.
Extra generally, painful or swollen testicles will be attributable to an an infection, together with gonorrhoea or chlamydia. When you’ve ever had unprotected intercourse, there’s an opportunity you can have picked up an STI. Some folks could discover that they undergo with testicle ache and swelling for a brief time period after which it goes away. However, you need to nonetheless all the time communicate to your GP about your signs to allow them to examine what prompted them.
‘Inexperienced discharge that means’
This key phrase has seen a 200% improve in searches from July 2021 to June 2022. Inexperienced discharge is extra more likely to have an effect on females – and isn’t all the time essentially an indication of an STI. However, I’d all the time suggest that you simply communicate to a well being skilled in case you have any considerations over the looks or odour of your discharge.
Most individuals with a vagina are more likely to get discharge. It’s a standard substance that the vagina produces to maintain itself clear and wholesome. Nevertheless, in case you have had unprotected intercourse, a change within the color, odour, or texture of your discharge will be one of many first warning indicators of an an infection.
When you discover any such adjustments, please see a well being skilled for acceptable testing and therapy.
‘Burning sensation whereas urinating’
From July 2021 to June 2022, searches for ‘burning sensation whereas urinating’ have elevated by 120%. Large volumes had been seen persistently between August 2021 and January 2022.
There are many causes that you simply would possibly really feel a burning sensation while you move urine (pee). Regardless of the trigger, you need to all the time get it investigated by a well being skilled. Ache while you pee will be attributable to urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethritis and prostate situations. Nevertheless it can be a symptom of sexually transmitted infections. These embody chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis and genital herpes.
The excellent news is that therapy for many STIs is normally a easy course of antibiotics, antivirals, lotions or liquids. It’s necessary to maintain on prime of your sexual well being to keep away from future well being problems and passing any infections on to others.
‘Painful intercourse’
Intercourse needs to be one thing that’s secure and fulfilling for everybody. However some issues can result in painful intercourse. Painful intercourse can have a number of causes. These embody generalised sickness, bodily issues across the genitalia, pelvis or stomach, psychological issues, or infections. Google search volumes recommend extra folks have been having painful intercourse within the UK from October 2021. That’s a 127% improve.
A number of STIs can result in ache throughout intercourse. So bear this in thoughts for those who’ve ever had sexual contact with out utilizing a condom, because it means that you could be want a sexual well being test. Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, and trichomoniasis can result in painful intercourse for each women and men. It will probably result in different infections affecting the vagina, for those who have one.
If intercourse hurts, it’s necessary to seek out out what’s inflicting the ache. A well being skilled will help you discover the correct therapy.
‘Itching in non-public male space’
Itchy genitals are uncomfortable and inconvenient, particularly for those who’re out in public. Google search volumes present that these with male genital anatomy have been combating this problem. Searches for the phrase ‘itching in non-public male space’ have elevated by 83% between summer season 2021 and summer season 2022.
When you’re feeling itchy down there, it’s finest to keep away from any sexual contact till what’s inflicting it. Doable causes embody irritation from grooming, pubic lice or a fungal an infection. Or it could possibly be a sexually transmitted an infection corresponding to chlamydia, gonorrhoea, genital herpes, or genital warts. An STI test will assist establish or rule out any considerations and assist put you on the correct course of therapy.
5 STI myths busted:
1. All STIs have signs – MYTH
A lot of STIs have signs, however some will be utterly symptomless corresponding to chlamydia. That’s why it’s so necessary to take possession of your sexual well being and get your self repeatedly examined – it’s the one solution to know whether or not you could have an an infection or whether or not it’s possible you’ll be passing it on to a sexual accomplice. For instance, if left untreated chlamydia may cause ache within the testicles or have an effect on your fertility, because of this sexual well being must change into a precedence for folks, as a result of if left untreated, infections might have extra critical penalties.
2. You may solely catch an STI in case you have unprotected penetrative intercourse – MYTH
STIs unfold by sexual exercise of any form, that features vaginally, orally, or anally. You too can catch STIs from genital contact with somebody who’s contaminated, or for those who share intercourse toys with an individual who’s contaminated.
3. You may solely get STI examined for those who’re single – MYTH
Whether or not you’re in a dedicated relationship or not, common STI testing will help to choose up any an infection. For early detection and to forestall additional well being points down the road, it’s beneficial to get a complete repeatedly.
4. You may’t remedy all STIs – TRUE
While many STIs will be handled with antibiotics, the reason for the an infection and the size of time you’ve had it could possibly have an effect on therapy choices. In case your an infection is viral, e.g., from herpes (HSV) or HIV, in lots of instances it’s attainable to handle the an infection however you received’t essentially be absolutely cured.
Early detection is vital – common testing will help to flag any infections early and get you on a course of therapy sooner.
5. STI exams take ages, are embarrassing and painful – MYTH
There isn’t a must really feel embarrassed or ashamed about attending for STI screening; taking management of our sexual well being and getting checked needs to be simply as important as seeing a health care provider for another well being considerations you might have. It’s nothing to fret about, is fast and infrequently consists of a blood check, a urine pattern or swabs from the place you could have the an infection. When you’ve got no signs and are testing to reassure your self, you are able to do the related swabs by yourself.
Bupa was created on 3 April 1947 with the founding goal – ‘to forestall, relieve and remedy illness and ill-health of each form’ – enshrined in our authentic structure, combining a caring ethos with freedom of selection.
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