The impact of social media on sex and relationships is the focus of this year's Sexual Health Week.
The theme for Sexual Health Week 2025 is: “Chronically Online – Love, Sex and Relationships.”
Staff at the Orchard Centre, which is Guernsey's sexual health clinic, say that online misinformation can spread quickly.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink, says they want to debunk myths to protect the health and well being of islanders.
"We need to be able to tackle misinformation and support healthier choices for everyone. How do we make sense of what’s real and what’s not in a world of deepfakes?
"To what extent are social media algorithms shaping public perceptions of contraception and reinforcing gender stereotypes?
"We need to empower young people to think critically about the information they view online and these issues are likely to become increasingly prominent in the future.”
Orchard Centre Service Manager Laura Brouard says accurate knowledge empowers people to make informed decisions about their health. She says there are many myths circulating and below are some examples.
Common misconceptions:
• Myth: The contraceptive pill makes you infertile.
• Fact: Fertility usually returns quickly after stopping the pill.
• Myth: Hormonal contraception always causes weight gain.
• Fact: Research shows there’s no consistent link.
• Myth: You can tell if someone has a STI just by looking at them.
• Fact: Most STIs don’t have visible symptoms, so the only way to know is to get tested.
• Myth: You only need to get tested if you have symptoms.
• Fact: Many STIs are asymptomatic but can still cause long-term health problems if left untreated.
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