The Future of Sexual Health: Introducing the STI Risk Tracker

But understanding your sexual health goes beyond just tracking—it's important to think about how and where we are meeting our partners, the trends in sexual encounters, and the factors influencing safe practices. So once you’ve discovered the STI rates in your area with the tracker, let’s explore the data below to help you navigate your sexual health more effectively.

Our survey has revealed that the two most common places for people to meet sexual partners are through mutual friends or dating apps (both 49%). Breaking it down by gender, 54% of women and 45% of men report meeting through friends, while 50% of women and 48% of men find partners via dating apps.

Other notable venues include the classic clubs and bars route (43%), and the more modern development of social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter (33%). Indeed, 7% also said they found partners in online gaming communities, suggesting that modern relationships often blossom in social circles and online spaces.

The workplace and educational spaces are also a hotbed for sexual liaisons, with 32% admitting to meeting partners in the office and 24% in college or university. Meanwhile, 15% said they worked up a sweat in the gym by getting with their gym crush, and 17% made the most of summer music lineups by finding a partner at festivals throughout the year.

Could we condense a bit, maybe something like: So, when are sexual encounters most frequent? Our study shows that 23% of UK singles are most sexually active in July, making summer a season of romance, with August (21%) and June (17%) close behind. In contrast, the colder months—November, January, and February (7%)—are much quieter, with March (6%) being the least active. Recognising these seasonal trends can help individuals stay prepared and proactive about their sexual health.

If we zoom into the days of the week, the data shows that 50% of people are most likely to have sexual experiences on Saturdays, followed by Fridays (38%) and Sundays (19%), while Mondays really are the gloomiest, with only 3% getting lucky at the start of the week.

With all this sexual activity in different locations and throughout the year, it is slightly worrying that testing isn’t as high on the agenda. We found that 41% of the UK said they have never been tested for gonorrhoea, with similar statistics for other STIs like Chlamydia (38%) and HPV (41%). This lack of testing highlights a significant gap in awareness and proactive health measures. With our STI tracker tool, users can stay informed about the STI landscape in their area and understand the importance of regular testing.

Unfortunately, it seems people’s understanding and alertness of STI symptoms is not up to scratch. We found that 47% would not suspect redness or swelling in the genital area to be an STI, nor abnormal discharge (46%), sores, blisters, or warts in the genital area (46%), or even a burning sensation when urinating (45%). It seems women are far more aware than men when it comes to symptoms, spotting STI symptoms on average 13% more than men, while Gen Z are the worst generation on average when it comes to identifying symptoms.

If the country isn’t getting tested, are they at least staying protected during these encounters? Well, 20% say they always use protection when having sex with someone for the first time. For the other 80%, the survey reveals that 34% attribute skipping protection to the heat of the moment, while 30% simply trust their partner's assurances of being STI-free.

Other factors include intimacy, lack of preparation, and the influence of alcohol, and 1 in 10 say they aren’t fully aware of the risks, while 15% of Gen Z say they are uncomfortable to ask about using protection. Perhaps another reason for the lack of protection is the underestimated number of STIs diagnosed in the country each year. Worryingly, 87% underestimate the real number, with 30% believing it’s under 100,000, despite the real number exceeding 400,000 in 2023. This misconception underscores the critical need for better education and resources, which our STI tracker tool aims to provide.

As we look toward the future, 30% of respondents expressed interest in AI STI scans, a promising development that could revolutionise sexual health monitoring. Other technologies, like smart condoms, which would have sensors that track performance and offer sexual health insights, are also willing to be tried by 25% of people. One technology where men and women are most split is smart sex dolls—an AI-powered doll with advanced sensors and responsive touch; while 24% of men would be keen, just 11% of women like the idea.

A significant 32% of survey participants believe new sexual health tools could reduce the spread of STIs. Additionally, 28% see technological advancements as a way to provide better access to sexual health education. With 80% indicating that technology could enhance their sexual relationships, the future looks promising for intimate connections.

Summary

In a landscape where sexual health is paramount, our STI tracker tool stands as a crucial resource for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of their sexual experiences. As our research highlights, many people underestimate the prevalence of STIs, leading to a concerning gap in awareness and testing.

The data reveals not only the dynamics of where and when people meet partners but also the urgent need for proactive health measures, and as interest grows in innovative technologies, there’s a clear hope that these advancements will enhance sexual health education and reduce the spread of STIs.

Ultimately, fostering open conversations about sexual health, increasing awareness of testing, and embracing technological innovations can lead to healthier relationships and a more informed public.

Take control of your sexual health today! Get tested using our testing kits—it's an easy and discreet way to ensure you're informed about your sexual health.

*Low local STI rates don’t reduce the importance of practicing safe sex