With the festive season approaching make sure you look after your Sexual Elf.

Saturday, 13 December 2025

Condoms - the one accessory you can’t be without this festive season

Using a condom each timer you have sex is a must to happy and healthy sex. Condoms helps prevent against STIs and unplanned pregnancy and are available for free at any of our Clinic Timetable - Sexual Health Wirral .To make sure you use a condom correctly and effectively read more about condom tips and watch our condom demonstration video Condoms are free - Sexual Health Wirral.
If the condom splits, emergency contraception or the morning after pill as it is commonly known, can help prevent an unplanned pregnancy. Free Emergency Contraception are available from all of our clinics and our partner pharmacies Pharmacy Services in the Community - Sexual Health Wirral. We’re running limited clinics over the festive season so make sure you check out our Christmas clinic opening times - Sexual Health Wirral and partner pharmacy opening times. The sooner you take emergency contraception after unprotected sex, the more effective it will be. Emergency contraception does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Contraception pills - plan ahead, set reminders and take extra precautions when needed

If you take the pill daily for contraception plan ahead and make sure you have enough left in your pack to cover you over the festive season.
Remember to take your pill on time. With Christmas being a busy time of parties and social visits why not set a reminder on your phone to ensure you don’t forget to take your pill at your set time.
If you miss a pill or develop a stomach bug (vomiting or diarrhoea) your pill may be affected and you will need to take extra precautions, read more on Contraception - Sexual Health Wirral
If you are visiting family or friends or jetting off over the festive season, remember to pack your pills.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

In Wirral we see a peak in chlamydia and other STIs in January each year. If you do take a risk make sure you get yourself tested as soon as possible. Chlamydia is the most common STI in 15-24 year olds Think Chlamydia - Get Tested - Sexual Health Wirral

If the condom has split or you’ve had unprotected sex you will have exposed yourself to the risk of an STI and we strongly recommend you get tested. Sometimes it can take 2 weeks for the infection to show up so if your test is negative, we always recommend a second test a couple of weeks later.
The quickest and easiest way to get tested is to request a free and discreet Free Postal Test Kits - Sexual Health Wirral , but free testing is also available in all of our appointment and walk in wait clinics. Remember we’re running limited clinics over the festive season so make sure you check out our Christmas clinic opening times - Sexual Health Wirral

Unprotected sex

Relying on emergency contraception (EHC) – often referred to as the Morning after pill is not a reliable method, but if a mishap occurs it can prevent pregnancy and can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but is more effective the earlier it is taken.
You can access EHC at any of our clinics or partner pharmacies Pharmacy Services in the Community - Sexual Health Wirral . We’re running limited clinics over the festive season so make sure you check out our Christmas clinic opening times - Sexual Health Wirral and partner pharmacy opening times.

Alcohol

It is a known fact that when we drink too much alcohol we act differently and take risks we wouldn’t otherwise take - you may be less cautious of having sex or choosing who to have sex with.