STIs – the Christmas gifts that nobody wants!

Party season has arrived and for many people that means nights out celebrating the season with friends and colleagues. With the music playing, drinks flowing and all the emotions that this time of year can conjure up, one thing can often lead to another under the mistletoe. But if you knew that the number of reported cases of gonorrhoea were the highest on record last year, would it make you stop and think before putting your sexual health at risk? Read on as the sexual health experts at YourGP reveal why STIs are the Christmas gifts that nobody wants!

Christmas – the season of love

Christmas is a time to connect with friends old and new. And whilst many choose to toast the festive season with a few drinks, there are real risks when excessive alcohol is involved.

People are more likely to have lower inhibitions and take more risks when drinking alcohol. That’s why it is so important to pace yourself at Christmas parties – eat before you head out, drink water in between alcoholic drinks, switch to alcohol-free drinks if you prefer, know your limits, and don’t feel pressured to have “just one more” if you’d rather call it a night.

Know the risks

Unprotected sexual activity puts you at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Some of the most common STIs include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Genital warts
• Genital herpes
• Syphilis
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• HIV

Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows there were 401,800 diagnoses of new STIs in England in 2023, an increase of 4.7% on the previous year. And diagnoses of gonorrhoea increased by 7.5% between 2022 and 2023, the largest annual number reported since records began in 1918.

Left untreated, some STIs can lead to fertility issues, pregnancy complications, blindness and neurological damage.

Plan ahead

For those relying on the contraceptive pill to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, be aware that your local doctors surgery and pharmacy may be closed over the Christmas period, so make sure you have enough to see you through the festive period. And remember, the contraceptive pill won’t protect you from STIs, but condoms will, so ensure you’re well stocked up on these too.

Other ways to stay safe

Other ways to minimise your risk of contracting an STI is to limit your number of sexual partners. It is also important to talk openly with your sexual partner and set clear boundaries to stay safe.

Don’t wait to get tested

Not all STIs have symptoms so don’t just assume that if you’ve engaged in risky sexual activity and you’re not showing any obvious signs that you’ve not contracted anything. There is a very real risk that could have contracted an STI and the only way to know for certain is to visit a medical professional and get tested.

Here at YourGP, we offer comprehensive sexual health checks and a fast turnaround of results. Our highly experienced team understand what an anxious time it can be for patients waiting to get tested and receive results, so we endeavour to ensure you are as informed and comfortable as possible.

We also understand that many patients prefer to keep their sexual health matters discreet, and that’s why they choose YourGP. Our two practices are conveniently located on Dundas Street and in the Dean Village, and because we offer a wide range of GP services, no one need ever know the nature of your visit.

Book your sexual health check today

Book a full sexual health check using our simple online booking system, email reception@your.gp, or call us on 0131 225 5656 and we’ll be happy to arrange an appointment at a time that suits you.