James Bond, the suave, martini-drinking spy, is known for his charm, gadgets, and, let’s face it, his prolific love life. But all that romance comes with a price. Given Bond’s numerous casual encounters—often without protection—it’s almost certain he contracted sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia. While 007 might dodge bullets and villains, STIs are one enemy even he couldn’t outrun.
Chlamydia, a common bacterial infection, is often asymptomatic, meaning Bond could have carried it for years without knowing. Given his globe-trotting lifestyle and frequent partners, the odds of exposure were sky-high. In the 1960s, when Bond’s adventures began, STI testing and treatment were far less advanced than today. Antibiotics like azithromycin, now used to treat chlamydia, were available, but Bond’s cavalier attitude toward health checks makes it unlikely he sought treatment.
The risks don’t stop at chlamydia. Bond’s escapades put him at risk for gonorrhea, syphilis, and even HIV in later decades. His preference for martinis over condoms didn’t help. While the films gloss over these realities, real-life spies face strict health protocols, including regular STI screenings. Bond’s disregard for such precautions is a reminder that even fictional heroes aren’t invincible.
The irony is that Bond’s lifestyle, while glamorous on screen, would be a public health nightmare in reality. His partners, from Pussy Galore to Vesper Lynd, were equally at risk. In the real world, Bond’s behavior would make him a super-spreader of STIs, not just a savior of the free world.
So, next time you watch Bond seduce yet another villain’s associate, remember: behind the tuxedo and one-liners lies a man who probably needed a course of antibiotics. And if you ever feel tempted to emulate his lifestyle, think twice. STIs are one mission even 007 couldn’t complete unscathed. After all, shaken, not stirred, doesn’t apply to your health.
