With an estimated 19 million new cases of sexually transmitted infections occurring every year, and 50 per cent of these cases affecting those between the ages of 15 and 24, the importance of STD testing cannot be emphasised to young people enough.  But as they say, prevention is always better than cure, so here are some ways to date without the danger of catching an STD.

Catch a Movie, Not the Clap.
One of the most longstanding and traditional dates you can go on, a trip to the movies, is always a nice way to spend an evening getting to know someone.  There is something very romantic about sitting in a darkened room, surrounded by people but somehow feeling as if you are the only two in the room, as you secretly enjoy watching your date struggle with the internal monologue of “should I put my arm around them? Should I hold their hand?”  Though there is not much opportunity for conversation during the movie, it provides a perfect conversation starter for the journey home.  If, on your date’s insistence, you have to see a film that is not quite to your tastes, watch comfortably in the knowledge that you can choose the second date.  A classic and classy date, a trip to the cinema guarantees old-fashioned fun, with no danger of needing an STD test afterwards.

Dodge That Disease
For a slightly more upbeat evening out, why not go on a date to a funfair? Scare yourself on the ghost train, share some candy floss, and let your date win you a giant cuddly toy on the coconut shy.  Feel the magic of the fair as you cuddle up and watch the world go by on the ferris wheel.  For a bit of extra excitement, challenge your date and go head to head on the dodgems.  Or perhaps you’d rather test your team-working skills, sharing a car and sharing the fun.  You may acquire some bruises on the bumper cars but at least you’ll dodge the drama of an STD test.

Dive In, But Not at the Deep End
One of the more fun dates you can go on, a trip to a water park or swimming pool is a great way to get to know the fun side of someone.  Frolic in the fountains, launch yourself down the flumes, and then lay back and relax on a lilo and make the most of not having to worry about how your hair or make up looks. Some water parks even have disco evenings, so you might get the chance to put your date through their paces on a water-filled dance floor.  A great way to have some good clean fun, there’ll be no STD testing required after a trip to a water park.

Feed Your Appetite, But Not That One…
There’s nothing more romantic than being taken out for a meal.  Whether it’s a candle-lit dinner in a cosy restaurant, an all you can eat buffet, or even a picnic in the park, the way to one’s heart is almost always through their stomach.  Be sure to check whether you are dating a vegetarian before you pick your restaurant, and choose somewhere with a varied menu so that you have plenty to discuss.  Go dutch and share the cost of dinner, rather than the cost of an STD test.

With sexually transmitted diseases becoming more and more common, it’s very important to undertake regular STD testing.  However, there are plenty of ways to have fun with a date, without risking the dangers of STDs; the second date needn’t involve a trip to the STD testing center.