AS PEOPLE across the Kingdom make plans for parties and celebrations over Christmas and New Year, West Fifers are being urged not to forget about taking care of their sexual health during the festivities.

With many celebrations set to involve alcohol, excessive alcohol consumption can sometimes lead to people taking unnecessary risks and having sex that they might later regret.

Dr Lorna Watson, chair of Fife Sexual Health Strategy Group, said, "Whilst we want everyone to enjoy Christmas and New Year, we also want people to stay safe.

"The last thing you want as a reminder of the festive season is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), blood borne virus (BBV) such as HIV, or an unwanted pregnancy.

"Be safe and always use a condom, especially if you have a new partner.

"If you do need advice or are worried that you may have a STI, Sexual Health Fife provides a range of services that are free and confidential." Sexual Health Fife provides a range of sexual health and blood borne virus (BBV) services, offering both drop-in clinics and booked appointments in a number of locations across Fife.

Services include: Advice and support on sexual health concerns.

Pregnancy testing.

STI testing and treatment.

Hep B and C screening and referral for treatment.

Contraception advice, including long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.

Emergency contraception.

To make an appointment at a Sexual Health Fife clinic call (01592) 647979, Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 1pm. You can find your nearest clinic by visiting www.nhsfife.org/sexualhealth.

A specialist advice line is also available from Monday to Friday 11.30am to 1.30pm, call (01592) 729260.

Over the festive season sexual health clinics will be closed from 25th-27th December and 1st-3rd January, with drop-in clinics operating on 24th and 31st December as below: Monday 24th December and Monday 31st December - Carnegie Clinic, Dunfermline, 8.30am - 2.30pm.

Clinics will operate as normal at all other times. Full arrangements for the festive period can be found online.

Further sexual health advice can be found at www.nhsfife.org/sexualhealth or www.sexualhealthscotland.co.uk