It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a holiday romance – but while the sand, sea, and sun set the mood, a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) can quickly ruin it.
Many travellers have sexual intercourse with a new partner while away from home. Studies show that approximately 50% of people who engage in new sexual relationships abroad inconsistently use condoms. As a result, a large number of STIs occur in returning travellers.
Wherever you go, sexual health awareness should be an important component of your pre-trip planning to protect your health and the health of your prospective partners.
Note: It is essential that you and your partner both consent to engage in any sexual activity. Remember: you can withdraw consent at any time.
If you experience sexual assault abroad, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate immediately. The following links provide additional information, resources and contact details for US residents, Canadian residents, and residents of the UK.
STIs are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that are transmitted through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) and skin to skin genital contact. STIs include:
Every day more than 1 million new cases of curable STIs are reported around the world. Recently, progress preventing these infections has slowed and there has been no substantive decline in the rates of new or existing infections reported since 2012.
The rise in STIs is due in part to more relaxed attitudes towards unprotected sex and reduced condom use, as well as funding cuts to sexual health programs and services in some areas. With the ease of international travel, STIs can also spread easily across borders.
The most common STIs in returning travellers include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and chancroid. Travellers who have been sexually active abroad have also reported hepatitis B and C and HIV infections. Many STIs are asymptomatic – show no signs or symptoms – so you can unknowingly bring home an infection and spread it to other sexual partners. You can read more about STIs, symptoms and treatments here.
STIs occur worldwide, but certain types of infections may be more common in different parts of the world. At your destination, you may find a higher prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea. On the other hand, STIs that are rarely found in your home country may occur more frequently at your destination. For example, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is relatively uncommon in North America but is regularly found in Africa, Asia, South America, and some countries in the Caribbean. Other infections such as chancroid and granuloma inguinale are also more common in less industrialized countries.
Recently, international health authorities have raised concerns over the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea and how travellers play a role in its transmission. Gonorrhea is a very common STI that causes no noticeable symptoms in most people who become infected. If left untreated, it can lead to long-term health effects such as infertility.
When an infection such as gonorrhea becomes resistant to antibiotics it is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. Strains of gonorrhea that are resistant to some antibiotics are already widespread, but increasingly, more strains are growing resistant to all forms of gonorrhea treatment (known as gonorrhea superbug). Extensively drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea have been reported in several countries.
Standard travel health insurance policies do not provide coverage for expenses related to treatment of STIs. Your travel health insurance exists to help you in the event an unforeseen emergency. As a result, engaging in behaviour that is seen to increase your risk for personal injury or illness can affect your coverage.
STIs are diagnosed during travel as often as they are diagnosed after a traveller returns home. You should visit a doctor after having unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner or if symptoms of an STI appear. Note that many STIs cause no visible signs or symptoms.
Before you go, it’s important to be aware that not all countries share the same perspectives on sexual health, sexual orientation, and access to sexual health resources. Women and LGBTQ+ travellers may face discriminatory treatment from healthcare providers when seeking sexual health care or services.
Take the time to research your destination in advance. Cultural attitudes towards sexual health and orientation can differ by city, region, and country and your destination may have restrictive laws in place. For example, same-sex relationships are considered a criminal offense in many countries. A number of countries also have entry restrictions for travellers with HIV/AIDS.
If you are travelling with prescription birth control, ensure you have enough for the duration of your trip, plus an extra supply in case of loss or theft. Be aware that your prescription birth control may be unavailable or sold under a different brand name at your destination. Check beforehand to make sure you can get a resupply in case you need it. You should also consider packing emergency contraception in case your birth control fails or you have unprotected sex. Be aware that emergency contraception may not be easily accessible or available in some destinations (check this list for emergency contraceptive pills available worldwide).
All travellers who have sexual intercourse with a new partner are at risk of acquiring an STI. However, if you do decide to be sexually active while abroad, there are ways you can reduce your risk. No matter where you travel, the following precautions are recommended:
Whether you choose to have sexual intercourse with a new partner during your trip is a personal decision. However, deciding not to use a condom is a dangerous one. Your sexual health is important wherever you travel and with every partner.
Travellers who go abroad with the specific intention of having sexual intercourse are at high risk of acquiring an STI. Sexual tourism is a lucrative industry that exists worldwide. It negatively affects community health, gender equality, economic equality, and fuels the spread of STIs, particularly HIV.
Learn more about sex tourism and how you can support efforts to end the practice here.
Last reviewed and updated: December 11, 2020.
Image by Asaf R, Upsplash.
When you have reached the point where you no longer expect a response, you will at last be able to give in such a way that the other is able to receive and be grateful. - Dag Hammarskjöld
