New research has revealed that Spain is the STI capital of Europe where diagnosed cases of chlamydia have rocketed by 527% in just five years. 

The hot spots for sexually transmitted infections across Europe in the last five years have been revealed in shocking new data. 

The study by online pharmacy Treated.com also revealed that Malta and Belgium were risky destinations for unprotected sex with 119% and 62% increases of the disease respectively.

And while chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, cases have actually dropped by 5%.

“At the bare minimum, you should take the precautions you normally would at home. 

“This means using a condom, and getting tested after you’ve had unprotected sex with someone whose STI status you aren’t sure of.”

Experts say the massive spike in STIs in Spain is down to a number of factors, but the main being revellers have a much more relaxed attitude towards making love. 

“We’re seeing a general trend – not just in Spain but in many countries in Europe – of attitudes towards sex becoming more relaxed,” Dr Atkinson said.

“Research tells us that people take more risks when they’re under the influence of alcohol”

Dr Daniel Atkinson

“More people are having sex for several reasons (dating apps becoming more popular, sex being more openly discussed and less of a taboo than before) and this is contributing to a rise in chlamydia cases we’re seeing more widely.

“There’s also the possibility that tourists from other countries with a high STI prevalence (like the UK, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark, and Latin American countries) are taking STIs to Spain with them, and contributing towards this rise. 

“Research tells us that people take more risks when they’re under the influence of alcohol; and so in a party scenario on holiday, someone might be more likely to have sex with a stranger and less likely to use protection.” 

• Super Gonorrhoea

Source: Read Full Article