Commonwealth Games stars have been sent a warning by a sexual health expert ahead of the event getting underway on Thursday.
The action is set to take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2, but as the Games return to the Scottish city for the first time since 2014, athletes, visitors and local communities have been urged to make sexual wellbeing part of their plans.
One sexual health nurse, speaking anonymously, revealed their clinic saw an increase in STI diagnoses and demand for sexual health services in the aftermath of the event 12 years ago.
And, this time, experts have told athletes to carry contraception with them and undergo tests if they have unprotected sex or a new sexual partner.
Sarah Mulindwa, a Senior Sexual Health Nurse and TV presenter said: ‘Planning ahead for your sexual health is no different from preparing for a heatwave – carry condoms if you think you may need them, know where to access healthcare and look out for your friends.
‘The Commonwealth Games are an exciting opportunity for people from around the world to come together and celebrate sport, but we want everyone to enjoy the event while looking after their health.
A sexual health expert has sent a warning to Commonwealth Games stars ahead of the event
‘Carry condoms if you think you may need them, get tested if you’ve had unprotected sex or a new sexual partner, and seek advice promptly if you’re worried about HIV exposure or need emergency contraception. Looking after your sexual health is a normal part of looking after your overall wellbeing.’
Condoms are usually widely available for athletes at major sporting events, although there was drama during the Winter Olympics earlier this year when the athletes village reportedly ran out of condoms.
That came after organisers slashed the usual supply from 300,000 to a mere 10,000.
At the time, an anonymous athlete told Italian newspaper La Stampa: ‘The supplies sold out in just three days. They promised us more will arrive but who knows when.’
Discussing that incident, the organising committee said: ‘We can confirm that condom supplies in the Olympic villages were temporarily depleted due to higher-than-anticipated demand.’
Additional supplies were subsequently delivered and distributed to alleviate the issue.
