With December and the Christmas party season just around the corner, your social calendar could be filling up quickly. Let’s be honest, even just a single event is likely to be one more than last year, but before we let ourselves run away with the festivities and get caught up in the moment, check out some top tips to stay safe over the festive period.
No we are not talking about wrapping paper. It is rather common for people who are unattached to find romance of some kind at the Christmas party. In fact, 20% of 2000 surveyed UK office workers revealed that they have had a sexual encounter with a colleague at the office Christmas party. 1 in 10 admitted that they had caught an STI or knew someone that did, from a co-worker. Even if you are not looking for anything, it’s always a good idea to be prepared and carry a condom. It shows that you care about your and anyone you are likely to have a sexual encounter with. Condoms offer the best protection from unwanted gifts, STIs don’t take a holiday just because it’s Christmas. Stock up now from our vast range of condoms available in various sizes, pack quantities and flavours.
We know, probably not the easiest thing to avoid at the Christmas party and it’s probably fine to have a drink or two if you are in safe company with people you trust. We aren’t saying don’t get into the spirit of it, but preventing things from getting out of hand is sure to enable you to stay safe. High alcohol consumption can lower your inhibitions and people are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviour or put themselves at risk of being taken advantage of. Try drinking water or another soft drink in between drinks, this gives your body a rest and helps to prevent dehydration. Drinking more than you are usually used to can have a negative impact on your energy levels, your mood, is likely to affect your sleep and let’s not even mention the hangover!
There are various sexually transmitted infections with a whole range of symptoms. There are also some STIs that show no symptoms at all and are the reason why many go undiagnosed for extended periods of time.
The common symptoms to look out for include:
Thankfully, most STIs are simple to treat but there are others that are not. Bacterial infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis can be treated with a course of antibiotics prescribed by your GP. However, viral infections such as HIV, AIDS, HPV, warts and herpes can only be controlled, not cured with medication. Around 42% of people who think they have contracted an STI would contact their GP, 37% would visit a sexual health clinic and 1% said they would wait and hope that it would go away by itself.
Unfortunately, STIs lead to that awkward conversation but 13% of people confessed they wouldn't tell the colleague in question if they caught an STI. Whereas, 8% would tell an HR representative and 4% would inform the legal department. 5% think it's something they'd bring up with their boss.
The holiday season is always a fun time to let your hair down, but it's critical that people are aware of the dangers of unprotected sex. We would recommend that anyone who has had unprotected sex with a coworker or anyone else get tested for STIs as soon as possible.
Sources:
https://www.sexwise.org.uk/blog/sexwise-guide-surviving-christmas-party-season
https://www.mariestopes.org.za/holiday-sex-tips-keep-safe-satisfied-festive-season/
https://patient.info/sexual-health-at-christmas
https://www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/health-matters/health-and-wellbeing/looking-after-your-sexual-health
