Research conducted by HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) reveals that sports fans could be putting their sexual health at risk this World Cup, with nearly one in ten 18-34 year-olds in the UK drinking so much while watching sporting events, in person or on TV, that they can't remember what they did afterwards.

In response to this, Terrence Higgins Trust has published its online guide, 'Scoring without getting an own goal', to give sports fans top tips for safer post-match action, without a red and itchy card, this summer. Log on to http://www.tht.org.uk/worldcup to find out how to get match fit, make the perfect sliding tackle and substitute in style.

Terrence Higgins Trust's spokeswoman Genevieve Edwards said: "If people are getting so drunk they can't remember what they did the night before, it's more than likely protected sex and condoms won't have been top of their priority list.

"This is really worrying in relation to the World Cup this year, with thousands of people gathering in both the UK and South Africa to watch the tournament, enjoying a holiday atmosphere, having a lot to drink and potentially putting themselves at huge risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV if they are forgetting about protected sex.

"With the UK having the worst sexual health in Western Europe and 5.2 million people living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa, the highest rate in any country, it's vitally important sports fans look after themselves by using condoms throughout the World Cup this summer, whether at home or abroad."

Dr Christian Jessen, presenter of Embarrassing Bodies and Terrence Higgins Trust supporter said: "The World Cup is bound to put you in the mood for some post match action. With the sun hopefully shining, lots of drinks on the go and masses of people gathering in pubs across the UK and abroad it's the perfect pulling ground. But it's also likely to be a time you might forget all about safer sex and put yourself at risk of those oh-so-passion-killing sexually transmitted infections.

"If you're looking to score it's vital you've got condoms to keep yourself match fit and free from anything nasty that could lead to long term health problems."

Notes

- Survey conducted for Terrence Higgins Trust by ICM research. ICM interviewed a random sample of 2016 adults aged 18+ (of which 454 where aged between 18-34) via online between 16th - 18th April 2010. Surveys were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at http://www.icmresearch.co.uk

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust