Who packed the Condoms?

Worrying figures released today by Alliance Pharmacy, the UK retail business of the European healthcare group Alliance UniChem, show a mere 3% of 18 to 29-year-olds in the UK consider condoms an important item to pack in their holiday wash bag. Despite diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections rising by 3% from 2004 to 2005*, it would seem young holiday makers are still willing to risk travelling unprepared.

The research, conducted by YouGov, surveying 2,056 UK adults and entitled What’s In Your Washbag, also found that women are the worst culprits when it comes to packing protection, with twice the number of men compared to women considering condoms important.

Jonathan Buisson, NHS Strategy Manager for Alliance Pharmacy, commented: “We offer friendly advice and a welcoming service at all our pharmacies across the UK for anyone concerned about the right sort of protection for them and staying safe abroad.”

Other findings report that the safe sun message is finally getting through to the younger generation, with a third of 18 to 29-year-olds considering sun tan lotion a real holiday essential. For some though it’s still all about looking good, with one in ten women voting make-up an absolute necessity for hitting the beach.

The message is clear, if you’re planning to travel abroad this summer, make sure you go prepared and don’t forget any essentials you may not be able to purchase outside of the UK. In particular, condoms differ in size and are made to varying safety standards in other countries, so visit your local pharmacy prior to getting on the plane.