Doctors have warned that a popular dating trend could be exposing single people to a range of sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and syphilis.
In so-called ‘snowmanning’, the interests of a new sexual partner ‘melt away’ within 24 hours.
And according to a recent survey, one in five Britons have fallen victim to it.
The prevalence of this trend, coupled with the fact that 80 percent of Britons admit to having had unprotected sex, could lead to a rise in nasty infections, doctors have warned.
Dr. Crystal Wyllie, GP at Asda Online Doctor, warned that those who commit ‘snowmanning’ often disappear without exchanging contact details with their sexual partner.
This could mean that previous affairs to whom they may have passed on an STD are none the wiser and may continue to spread it.
That’s why she urges people to use contraception or get tested for sexually transmitted diseases during the holidays.
A survey of 2,000 Brits over the age of 18 found that just over a third (33 percent) often have casual sex during Christmas week.
The trend has been dubbed ‘snowmanning’, with their festive affair ‘melting away’ the next day, echoing the iconic Christmas story
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And 21 percent said their affair is usually ignored the next day.
More than a quarter (27 percent) of those surveyed said they have previously rekindled an old flame from their hometown, while 26 percent plan to make a holiday date at work or on a night out at a bar or club.
The research shows that 24 percent of people often meet their festive date at a Christmas or New Year’s Eve party.
More than one in ten (15 percent) admit to making impulsive decisions about sex when drinking alcohol at festive gatherings, while 11 percent feel lonely and enjoy someone else’s company by making a holiday date.
However, many Britons are unprepared for these spontaneous sexual encounters and have unprotected sex, putting them at risk of unplanned pregnancies and STDs.
“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health,” said Dr. Wyllie.
‘Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the holidays safely.’
It comes as condom use continues to decline – with only a fifth of Brits saying they use them – and Britain is gripped by a huge increase in STDs.
Official data shows that 401,800 STD cases – including in children aged 13 and over – were diagnosed in England last year, almost a third more than in 2020.
Specifically, the number of gonorrhea cases increased by 7.5 percent to 85,223 and the number of syphilis cases increased by 9.4 percent to 9,513 cases.
Some experts have noted rising numbers based on a post-lockdown boom in people having condomless sex with new partners.
STDs are a collective name for pathogens that are spread through sexual contact.
They include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, but are often treatable and, if not yet developed, can lead to serious health complications.
These include pelvic inflammatory disease or chronic pain.
In extreme cases, chlamydia and gonorrhea can even lead to infertility, while syphilis can cause serious neurological and cardiovascular problems.
The NHS recommends waiting fourteen days after risky sexual contact before testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea and four weeks for syphilis and HIV.
This is because it can take so long for levels of the pathogens in tests to reach detectable levels.
Most STDs can be easily treated, but it’s important not to ignore the symptoms and get yourself tested.
Some common symptoms of an STD include discharge from your vagina, penis or anus, itching in the genital area, a burning sensation when urinating and bleeding between periods and after sex.
The NHS insists that wearing a condom is the best way to avoid getting an STD.