A doctor has warned against the raunchy winter trend that could leave people at risk of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhoea
Brits are being warned about the troubling new dating trend of “snowmanning” that can lead to some uncomfortable consequences.
One doctor has warned against the sexual winter trend that could leave people at risk of catching sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhoea.
Dating experts at website eHarmony first coined the term “snowmanning” in 2019 – but now doctors have warned that you could end up with more than hurt feelings.
“Christmas is a time for celebration and presents a great opportunity to socialize and find someone special,” Rachael Lloyd, relationship expert at eHarmony, said. “However, once the drinks stop flowing and decorations come down, sometimes that initial burst of chemistry wears off. Our research shows that lots of people then retreat from their new relationships, a trend we are coining ‘snowmanning’.”
Daters most likely to be “snowmanned” are those between 18 and 34 years old, or living in Plymouth, Brighton or Newcastle, the research showed. The term came about after social media users described their festive flings melting away like a snowman as the weather gets warmer following the Christmas period. While you may be comfortable saying goodbye to your festive fling, they may have left you with an unwanted present of their own in the form of an STI.
Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a GP at Asda Online Doctor warned that STIs can be more of an issue for short-term flings as, if contact details aren’t exchanged, it can be hard to let your partner know if you start experiencing worrying symptoms, or vice versa.
“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it’s important to stay informed about sexual health,” Wyllie told the Daily Mail. “Planning ahead with contraception, or accessing support after unplanned sexual activity, is key to enjoying the festive season while staying safe.”
Unfortunately rates of STIs in the UK are on the rise after dipping during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government figures published in July show an increase of 4.7% in diagnosed STIs in 2023 over 2022. Gonorrhoea diagnoses increased 7.5% in the same time period, while syphilis diagnoses increased 9.4% and chlamydia diagnoses remained stable.