Don’t Let Drink Spoil the Romance of Valentines Day

4 February 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) North West is urging young people not to let drink spoil the romance of Valentines Day.

Dr Lorraine Lighton, Regional Sexual Health Lead for the Agency said: 'Alcohol and drugs can affect our sexual health by reducing our inhibitions, leading us to take risks that we might later regret.

'Valentines Day is traditionally a time of romance and meeting new partners. Being romantic is about showing the other person that you care about their wellbeing.  You can show consideration and respect for your partner by using a condom during sex, especially if this is a new partner or a casual relationship. However alcohol can cloud decisions and make it harder to keep to safer sex messages.

'Sex should be enjoyable and fun. Safer sex means having sex with fewer partners, always using a condom, especially with new or casual partners, and being aware that alcohol and drugs may lead to you taking risks with your health.

'Anyone having unprotected sex outside of a steady relationship may be at risk of a sexually transmitted infection. If you feel that you are at risk, it is important to be tested.'

Note to editors

Young people (aged 16-24 years old) are the age group most at risk of being diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, accounting for 65% of all Chlamydia, 50% of genital warts and 50% of gonorrhea infections diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics across the UK in 2007.

For more information visit:

Condom Essential Wear

HPA's Sexual Health pages

Press release issued by Laura Hall, HPA North West. Tel 0151 482 5732 or 07793 268917.

Last reviewed: 4 February 2009