Over three million Britons would risk infertility rather than seek medical treatment for a sexually transmitted infection (STI), suggests a YouGov poll for Pharmacy Voice. Just one per cent of the over-16s surveyed would visit a pharmacy for a suspected STI, despite the quick and confidential advice and treatment available. Instead, 47 per cent would consult their GP, while a third would visit a sexual health or GUM clinic and seven per cent wouldn’t visit a health centre of any kind.

The findings reflect research conducted last year which found that only 10 per cent of people were aware that pharmacies provided sexual health services. Rob Darracott, Pharmacy Voice chief executive, said: “We want people to use their pharmacy as a first port of call for all common ailments, but the sexual health services that are available from community pharmacy are clearly being under-utilised.”