PEOPLE have been urged to stay sexually safe this Christmas to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or getting unintentionally pregnant.

Lancashire Care Foundation Trust’s Contraception and Sexual Health (CaSH) under 25s service has advised people to practice safe sex during the festive season.

With lots of people socialising and attending Christmas parties, health chiefs said it is important to be prepared in case unplanned sex resulting in an STI or unwanted pregnancy occurs.

Tania Cockroft from the Contraception and Sexual Health Service (CaSH) at Lancashire Care said: ‘‘When you’re at a party or out at night, sex may not be the first thing that comes to mind.

"It can, therefore, be hard to remember to use contraception and protect ourselves, especially in the heat of the moment.

"If you’re planning on having a few drinks, remember to think ahead and prepare yourself as we all know alcohol often causes us to do things we wouldn’t usually do.

“By carrying condoms or being aware of what to do if you haven’t used a condom, people can protect themselves from a sexually transmitted infection or unwanted pregnancy.

"If you use a daily method of contraception such as the pill, remember to make sure you have enough for over the Christmas period.”