Don’t let booze ruin romance (From This Is Cheshire)

Don’t let booze ruin romance

8:20am Saturday 14th February 2009 in

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ROMANTICS who are out celebrating Valentine’s Day are being warned not to let drink spoil their fun.

The Health Protection Agency wants people to remember that alcohol and drugs lower their inhibitions and affect sexual health.

Dr Lorraine Lighton, sexual health lead for the HPA, said: “Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time of romance and meeting new partners.

“Being romantic is about showing the other person that you care about their wellbeing.”

She urged people to respect their partners by using a condom during sex and not letting alcohol cloud their decisions.

“Sex should be enjoyable and fun. Safer sex means having sex with fewer partners, always using a condom and being aware that alcohol and drugs may lead to you taking risks with your health,” she said.

People aged between 16 and 24 are the most likely to be diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. They account for 65 per cent of chlamydia, 50 per cent of genital warts and 50 per cent of gonorrhoea infections diagnosed in 2007.