Sex and the season: don’t have any regrets before the New Year

Christmas is known as a time of over indulgence, whether it be a giant turkey on the day itself or gluttonous amounts of Cadbury’s Roses over the entire twelve days of Christmas.

The most popular extravagance of the Yuletide season is however, alcohol. A sip of mulled wine quickly becomes a few shots and next thing you know, you’re waking up in the arms of stranger with no memory of how you spent Christmas Eve.

Most people leave the regrets until the New Year in the form of resolutions, but making a decision not to overdo it before the festive season can make all the difference. Despite the best of intentions though people lose their inhibitions amidst all the fun and do things they otherwise might not.

“During the partying season, people should think twice before engaging in unprotected sex if their partner’s sexual health status is unknown,” says Niall Behan, chief executive of the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA). “If they do decide to have sex, they should use a condom as this provides the most reliable means of protection against most STIs when used properly.”

If you’re worried about having contracted an STI, free screening is available from Dublin hospitals. Check out www.guide2guide.ie for the service at St. James’ or phone 01-8032930 to make an appointment at the Mater.

Along with the risk of STIs is unplanned pregnancy. If you’ve been unlucky or forgetful following a drunken festive night there are options available to you, such as the morning after pill and coil.

“With normal routines disturbed over the holidays, women may unintentionally miss one or more contraception pills. The emergency contraception pill is a safe and effective backup which can prevent pregnancy if the condom breaks or you have unprotected sex,” says Behan.

The morning after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex. It’s much more effective if taken earlier so get to a doctor as soon as possible. If you miss the 72 hour window an emergency coil can be inserted up to five days after sex but this option isn’t for everyone as insertion can be unsuccessful and is better suited to those who have already had children.

The most important thing to remember is not to panic. There will be clinics open to avail of emergency contraception over Christmas. On Sunday December 27, certain IFPA and Well Woman clinics will operate a walk in service in the afternoon leaving you just enough time to get seen to if the unexpected happens. See www.ifpa.ie and www.wellwomancentre.ie for more details.

Knowing all of your options heading into this indulgent Christmas season certainly isn’t a bad thing so that you can face the New Year happy and healthy.