Just one in six Irish women admit to ever having bought condoms, according to a recent survey.
Men are much more likely to buy them than women, but some 27% of Irish people don’t use any form of protection against STIs at all.
The study, which was carried out by Durex, found that confidence their partner didn’t have an STI was a major reason for not using a condom.
Being in the heat of the moment was also a factor for over a third of respondents.
Dr Jack Lambert, Consultant in Infectious Disease in Genitourinary Medicine at the Mater Hospital, said: “The rise in sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes in the past 12 months is a clear reflection of young people’s casual attitude to preventing the spread of STIs.
“What can be taken from the recent findings is a need for further education on the matter and an open conversation when it comes to safe sex.”
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