Practising safer sex is important at any time, not just Christmas.
There are a number of things that can be done in Cumbria Sexual Health services to reduce your risks around sex - from ensuring you have good contraception, to providing medication to protect you from HIV depending on your risks.
During the festive period we all want to enjoy ourselves and often our sexual health and wellbeing can be put to the back of our minds.
The service is open and is here for you. Please ring 01228 608989 to arrange an appointment if you need to.
Professor Matt Phillips, Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Over the festive period people can find themselves swept away with the romance of the season.
“Always be prepared for unplanned sex - this may mean having enough of the contraception that suits you to last over the Christmas holidays, having enough Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or even just coming in and picking up free condoms at any of our clinics
“Timing is essential for anyone seeking help following unprotected sex or following failed contraception.
The sooner the better if there has been a risk of pregnancy or HIV; if there is a risk of HIV treatment can be started up to 72 hours later; if there’s been a risk of pregnancy emergency contraception can be obtained up to 120 hours later”
If you require support when clinics are closed please go to your nearest pharmacy or call NHS 111.
Opening times for sexual clinics run by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust differ during the Christmas period.
The service is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, December 27, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and January 2.
The service is open on December 28, 29 and 30 from 9am to 5pm and normal clinic hours resume from January 3.
Find out more of the sexual health service page.