National Campaign Tackles Men's Ignorance Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing in men. Trends indicate a dramatic rise in the diagnosis of Genital Herpes and Chlamydia. The Doctor Patient Partnership (DPP) has joined forces with the Men's Health Forum to encourage men to seek help, and to dismiss the myths that surround STIs.

The results of a specially commissioned MORI survey revealed that only half of adult men know that a GUM (genitourinary medicine) Clinic provides sexual health advice and treatment. 13% thought that a GUM clinic had something to do with treating gum disease, and 6% thought it treated elderly people.

Herpes and HIV topped the list (44% and 42% respectively) as the most commonly perceived STIs. In fact the most common infections are Genital Warts and Chlamydia mentioned by just 24% and 19% respectively, both could have serious consequences if left untreated.

Men are often reluctant to seek help for STIs because they mistakenly believe that testing will hurt or that their partner or family will find out. The DPP/Men's Health Forum campaign aims to reassure men that testing is not painful or complicated and that GUM clinics will not contact partners, friends, family or even the man's GP about the testing. If the test is positive, the clinic may be able to contact partners or ex-partners whilst maintaining his anonymity.

Men across the UK need help and advice on STIs and this campaign's innovative approach aims to provide this to men at work and play. Common symptoms that men need to be aware of are pain when urinating, and a yellow or clear discharge from the penis. Leaflets and advertisements resembling a condom have been featured at the Grand Prix at Silverstone and will continue to target men at Rugby's Heineken Cup, football matches, pubs, universities and at work. Online information is also available through the Men's Health Forum's web site offering more detailed information about STIs, along with a search option for finding local GUM clinics.

Yvette Cooper, Minister for Public Health said: "The Government is committed to improving men's health by providing better information and supporting innovative projects to improve access to healthcare. This campaign will help to raise awareness of sexual health among men and includes many good ideas for getting the message across. We will be monitoring the success of this campaign and have asked Health Authorities to introduce schemes to tackle health inequalities."

Dr Ian Banks, Chairman, Men's Health Forum said: "It's shocking but perhaps not surprising that there is such a lack of knowledge amongst men about sexually transmitted infections. This campaign really takes the messages to where the men are and in a format that they will relate to. The main message of the campaign emphasises the fact that men can get help and advice quite anonymously and in actual fact when they go to get help it won't be as painful or embarrassing as they think."

Technical details

The research was based carried out by MORI between 13-17 April 2000 via face-to-face, in-home interviews. 720 males aged 16+ who are representative of the population of Great Britain were sampled.