Want to avoid a series of unpleasant activities down below? Find fun in a different way.
A troubling winter sexual trend known as 'snowballing' could put people at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhea, a doctor has warned.
The term snowman was originally coined by eHarmony dating gurus in 2019, but it wasn't until doctors started warning that it could lead to worse outcomes than hard feelings. It's only now.
“Christmas is a time of celebration and a great time to be sociable and find that special someone,” said Rachel Lloyd, relationship expert at eHarmony. mirror.
“But once the drinks stop flowing and the decorations fall off, that initial chemistry can disappear. Our research shows that many people then walk away from new relationships, but this is not the case for me. This is a trend that we have named “Snowman”. ”
Social media users say the toss will melt away like a snowman after the Christmas holidays or before spring arrives.
Those involved may be willing to let it go, but on the other side of the coin, they may still have unfortunate mementos from their short-lived romance.
And Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at Asda Online Doctor, says it's even more of a problem if contact details aren't exchanged, leaving you with no way of reporting an affair if you start to develop any troubling symptoms. .
“December is a time of celebration and connection, but it's important to stay informed about sexual health,” Wiley said. daily mail.
“Planning your contraception in advance and getting support after unplanned sex is key to staying safe and enjoying the festive season.”
Fortunately, STI rates appear to be decreasing overall in the United States. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sexually transmitted infections decreased by nearly 2% from 2022 to 2023.
In particular, the number of gonorrhea cases is on the decline, decreasing by 7.7% in one year. Primary and secondary syphilis decreased by 10.7% in 2023.
Meanwhile, winter has given rise to other dating trends, such as “sledding,” where singles drag someone on vacation with the intention of breaking up in the new year.
“This is potentially harmful and a red flag,” said Claire Renier, head of communications at dating app Happn. daily star. “It plays with people's emotions and fosters short-term gratification.”
There's also a trend called “winter coating,” where you reach out to an old flame, much like you wear an old coat in the winter.
