Survey links morning-after pill with risky sexual behaviors

One in five women reported using the morning-after pill and nearly as many said they had sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), according to a recent survey conducted by the UK's Co-operative Pharmacy.

The company asked 3,000 people between the ages of 18 and 35 about their sexual habits and their use of the morning-after pill in the previous year.

Approximately 20 percent affirmed that they had used the emergency contraception method, which involves taking a progestin pill shortly after unprotected sex or condom failure in order to prevent pregnancy.

More than one in 50 women aged 18 to 21 admitted that they used the pill as their preferred method of contraception, even though it does not reduce the risk of STD transmission.

One in 67 men added that they preferred women to use the pill so that they could eschew condoms.

The survey found that one in six women had an STD.

Sexual protection and screenings are essential in preventing the spread of STDs. Those who believe they have contracted a similar disease may consider looking into online testing services.