Doctors caution against ‘snowmanning’ dating trend due to STI risks

Medical professionals are cautioning that a recent dating trend might contribute to the increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during the festive season.

Specialists are advising young individuals about a new phenomenon, revealed in a survey where one in five Britons admitted to having experienced it.

This situation, along with the alarming statistic that 80 percent of Brits engage in unprotected sex, is raising concerns among healthcare providers.

The apprehension is that the ‘snowmanning’ phenomenon could result in a rise in STI cases, with individuals unable to notify former partners about potential infections.

A survey of 2,000 British adults found that 33 percent of those over 18 partake in casual sex during Christmas week. Meanwhile, 21 percent confessed they were often ignored by their partner the following day.

Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at Asda Online Doctor, highlighted the difficulty individuals might face in contacting their most recent sexual partners.

She described ‘snowmanning’ as a scenario where the interest in a new sexual partner dissipates quickly, akin to a melting snowman, typically within the first day.

In a conversation with the Daily Mail, she mentioned, “December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health.

“Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe.”

The combination of celebrations, Christmas parties, and people returning home from university creates various circumstances that might lead to increased unprotected sex during the holiday season.

More than a quarter (27 percent) of those surveyed reported rekindling a relationship with a past romantic interest from their hometown.

Additionally, more than one in ten (15 percent) admitted to making impulsive sexual decisions while under the influence of alcohol at a Christmas event.

There were approximately 401,800 recorded STI cases in England last year.

Some health experts attribute the increase in unprotected sexual encounters with new partners to changes in behavior post-pandemic.

Specifically, gonorrhoea cases rose by 7.5 percent and syphilis cases by 9.4 percent.

While many STIs can be treated with antibiotics, failing to treat them can result in serious health issues.

The NHS recommends waiting 14 days after engaging in unprotected sex with a new partner to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and four weeks for syphilis and HIV.

This recommendation is due to the varying time needed for different pathogens to become detectable.

The health service further advises that using a condom is the most effective method to avoid contracting these infections.