New research by pharmacy representative organisation Pharmacy Voice shows that only 1% of people aged 16 and over would make a pharmacy their first port of call for sexual health.
Almost half of those surveyed (47%) said they would rather visit their GP, while a third (32%) would visit a sexual health clinic (GUM clinic), and 5% would visit a walk-in centre.
People aged 16-20 account for 65% of all chlamydia infections diagnosed, yet only 5% of those surveyed in this age-group would visit their pharmacist first if they suspected an STI.
In the research, which was conducted by YouGov, only 10% of peoplewere even aware that their community pharmacy could offer sexual health services.
Rob Darracott, chief executive of Pharmacy Voice, said: “This latest study highlights that many members of the public display a lack of knowledge when it comes to sexual health services and where you can receive professional advice and support. 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.”
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