Christmas is coming (and so is the New Year STI boom!)

A 2017 survey revealed that one in five people had a sexual encounter with a colleague at an office Christmas party. That same survey found that one in ten people admitted to having contracted an STI from a coworker, or knew someone who had.

The New Year is supposed to be a time of new beginnings, a fresh start full of optimism and excitement. But it’s also the time we see a significant rise in the number of STI diagnoses, after party season has been and gone. With that in mind, the sexual health experts at YourGP are here to help you enjoy a safer Christmas and a healthier 2026.

Paying the price for the party season

Christmas is a time to get together with friends and colleagues. More often than not, those festive get-togethers involve alcohol. We know that consuming alcohol lowers inhibitions, making people more likely to take risks, such as engaging in unprotected sex.

We also know that left untreated, some STIs can lead to fertility issues, pregnancy complications, blindness and neurological damage. And that’s why the experts at YourGP are urging everyone to take their sexual health seriously this Christmas, so you don’t pay the price for it in the New Year.

Celebrate the season safely

We’re not here to spoil your seasonal fun, we’re just here to remind you to stay safe:

• Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat something before you head out.
• Pace yourself, it’s best to sip and savour than down pint after pint.
• Drink water in between alcoholic drinks.
• Consider switching to alcohol-free drinks.
• Know your limits.
• Don’t feel pressured to have “just one more” if you’d rather call it a night.
• Look out for each other. If your friends have had too much to drink, make sure they get home safely.

Plan ahead and prioritise your sexual health

Condoms are a highly effective method of preventing STIs if used correctly. Check the expiration date, check for any damage to the packet, and ensure it is the right size to maximise your protection. You should also be aware that oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms and cause them to break, so only use water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms.

For those relying on the contraceptive pill to prevent an unplanned pregnancy, be aware that your local doctor’s surgery and pharmacy may be closed over the Christmas period, so make sure you have enough to see you through the festive period.

Start the New Year right

Not all STIs have symptoms so don’t just assume that if you’ve engaged in risky sexual activity over Christmas and you’re not showing any obvious signs, that you’ve not contracted anything. There is a very real risk that you 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 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.