Christmas Checklist: Sexual Health Edition

The festive season is a time for joy, cheer and, sometimes, a little extra intimacy. But let’s be real: even during the holiday period, you need to prioritise your sexual health.   

Here are some key things to add to your Christmas to-do list to make sure this Christmas is sexy and safe: 

1 . Remember to wrap the gifts

All presents should be wrapped at Christmas and, like wrapping paper, condoms come in all different types, textures, styles and sizes too!  

Make sure you’re stocked-up and understand how to use them correctly to keep yourself and your partners safe from STIs and unintended pregnancy.  

Free condoms through C-Card schemes may be harder to get hold of over Christmas so make sure you think ahead.  

Need a condom refresher? Find out how to use condoms correctly. 

2 . Prepare in advance – don’t leave it until Christmas Eve

Frantically running up and down the high street in a last-minute scramble for gifts is no fun. The same goes for trying to get a healthcare appointment in the lead up to Christmas. 

Remember that most services, including sexual health services and GPs, will be operating different hours over the Christmas period and may be prioritising emergencies only. 

Check how much contraception or medication you have left now. If you will run out before New Year, contact your provider to see if they can prescribe more.  

3 . Avoid unwanted gifts

We’re not talking about those ugly socks or that uninspired bath gift set. What you don’t want the inconvenience of this Christmas is an STI. 

The best way to avoid STIs is to use condoms. If you do need to test, make sure you wait at least two weeks from when you had unprotected sex for an accurate result. Testing too early could give you a false positive. 

So, if you have unprotected sex mid-December, you will want to wait until early January to test. Find out if you can order an STI kit in your area.

If you have symptoms of an STI, contact your local sexual health service or GP for help, and avoid sex until you have been seen.

Services will still be there for emergencies

If you need emergency contraception (like the morning after pill) and your local sexual health clinic is closed, here are some other places you can try: 

• Pharmacies: Some pharmacies are open Christmas Day but it’s best to phone ahead to check so you don’t have a wasted journey. 
• GP 
• Walk-in centres  
• A&E 

Although the morning after pill is more effective the sooner you take it, don’t forget that you can take it up to 5 days after unprotected sex. 

If you’re experiencing pain, may have been exposed to HIV or need support if you have experienced sexual assault, don’t delay it getting help. You can contact your local sexual health clinic phone 111 or contact one of the above places for support.  

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