PARTYGOERS are being reminded to look after their sexual health this Christmas and New Year.
Northamptonshire Healthcare wants everyone in the county to make sure they have safe sex during the party season. Health services are also keen to encourage young people to get tested for chlamydia, now the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Senior sexual health nurse Chris Stirmey said: “People often let their hair down during the party season, but too much alcohol can lead people to take unnecessary risks.
“We want to urge people to stay safe and use condoms, as well as their usual contraception.”
Northamptonshire Healthcare provides a full range of contraceptive services, including emergency contraception, which is effective if taken within 72 hours of having sex.
It is also a good idea to have a sexual health test if you have had unprotected sex, as some sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, do not always show obvious symptoms.
Tests are quick, easy and confidential. You do not need a referral from your doctor and in most cases sexually transmitted infections are easily treated.
Northamptonshire has two main sexual health clinics: the Department of Sexual Health at Northampton General Hospital and the Ashwood Centre for Sexual Health at St Mary’s Hospital in Kettering.
Contraceptive clinics are held at Brackley Health Centre, Stuart Road Resource Centre in Corby, the Ashwood Centre in Kettering, St Giles Clinic in Northampton, Weston Favell Primary Care Centre, Rectory Road Health Clinic in Rushden and the Castle Unit at Isebrook Hospital in Wellingborough.
Northamptonshire's sexual health and contraceptive clinics will be operating during the holiday period. Details of changes to clinic times can be found on the trust's sexual health web pages.
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