50 shades of safer sex: Has the book influenced sex lives?

Published August 24 2012 inSexual Health
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EL James’ first novel Fifty Shades of Grey has sold over five million copies in the UK and it is estimated that 17% of women have read it, with increasing evidence that its reader base is diverting from “mummy porn” to include teenagers and men.

 

The effects on the UK are still being measured, but along with the rise in sales of erotic fiction and increasing sales of bondage gear, the book has also improved many readers’ sex lives – which may lead to a baby boom in the next few months.

Whatever the issues around the quality of the tale and the depictions of the sex and whether it encourages violence, Mr Grey is consistent in his use of condoms and practising safe sex. Indeed the contract Christian suggests to Anastasia is excellent for agreeing, consent, mutual respect and of course preventing STIs.

Many women of all ages often want to use condoms but do not know how to bring up the subject at the critical moment, and Mr Grey is, in this respect, a good role model.

If you have had unsafe sex, then you should consider an STI test. Better2Know is the UK’s leading private provider of STI testing services. The service is completely confidential. We don’t need your real name (Anastasia’s and Christian’s are welcome), and we will get you your results quickly.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike has been delivering world class Sexually Transmitted Infections testing services to Better2Know patients around the world for over ten years. He has written extensively on the subject, including numerous blogs for Better2Know which are designed to demystify the complex intricacies of sexual health testing. Mike wants to help his readers understand the risks they take in their daily sexual lives and provide the information they need when choosing an STI or STD test in a clear, concise and understandable way. Mike is particularly interested in writing about viral STIs like HIV and Hepatitis, as these infections can have a devastating impact on people’s lives if they are not diagnosed quickly. Only through being well informed can you best care for your health, and Mike is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help you and all his readers lead a happier, healthier life.