London, Dec 14 (IANS) Adults, under 35 years, may be exposing themselves to greater risk of pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases during the festive period, says a new research.
Nearly half the respondents, aged 18-34 years, stated that they drink more alcohol over the festive period compared to other times of the year.

More than a quarter admitted to having unprotected sex because they were too drunk to use contraception.

“The combination of alcohol and the festive party spirit may reduce inhibitions, and lead men and women to make decisions about their sexual behaviour that they may not have made if sober,” said Lindsay Davey, sexual health nurse at Marie Stopes International, which organised the survey.

“This type of sexual behaviour can be dangerous. It only takes one act of unprotected sex to catch a sexually transmitted disease or become pregnant,” concludes Davey.

Official statistics also show that the first quarter of every year always produces the highest numbers of women having abortions.

The results have lead Marie Stopes to launch the ‘Wrap it Up’ campaign, urging men and women to carry condoms and practice safe sex to stem the rise in unplanned pregnancies during the festive party season, said a Marie Stopes release.

The research also revealed that just under one in five have had sex with someone they just met due to the influence of alcohol at a party over the festive season.

Nearly half admitted to having sex under the influence of alcohol that they wouldn’t have had if sober.

More than two in five have had sex that they regretted the morning after it happened.