How to survive the festive season

Use the opportunity of the festive season to repair the damage of the year. PHOTO| FILE| NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • For some reason people forget condoms after they take one too many for the road.
  • Many people drink more than usual and unfortunately, alcohol has a way of convincing its victims that unsafe sex has no consequences.

The problem with sex is not that we do not always have it, but that we do without much thinking and planning.

At the sexology clinic, the festive season and a month or so after is a busy time.

We expect a myriad of problems resulting from sexual misadventures, some of which will live with you forever.

For some reason people forget condoms after they take one too many for the road. Many people drink more than usual and unfortunately, alcohol has a way of convincing its victims that unsafe sex has no consequences.

If you find yourself in such a situation and you are not on a regular contraceptive, get the popular E-pill from the nearest clinic or pharmacy to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

The pill can be used for up to five days following unsafe sex but it is more effective if used as soon as possible after the sexual encounter.

GREAT ADVANCES IN HIV-PREVENTION

Remember, however, that the pill does not prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

There are great advances in prevention of HIV after unplanned risky exposure, popularly known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

The concept was developed to protect health workers who occasionally get exposed to the virus.

Non-occupational exposure has also benefited, especially following rape. Within the medical fraternity there has however been a big debate on whether PEP should be made available after consensual sex. You may frown at why there should be a debate of such nature since this is a life saving intervention but the fact is that some people have previously had unprotected sex and rushed to their doctors for PEP when they would have used better and more efficacious methods such as condoms to prevent getting infected.

All the same, should you find yourself in a situation of risk, do not shy away; visit your doctor for PEP.

As the festive season comes to an end, we expect higher numbers of unwanted pregnancies and requests for abortion more than any other time of the year.

You may be aware that almost half a million pregnancies are terminated in Kenya annually.

Most of these abortions are done by unqualified people in unhygienic conditions.

It is estimated that over 2,000 Kenyan women die every year from unsafe abortions. Over 20,000 women are also admitted with injuries that range from bleeding, acute infection and infertility after botched abortions.

So what should you do when unwanted pregnancy happens? Go to a reputable registered health facility.

Trained health professionals will provide you with counseling and safe and legal ways of dealing with the pregnancy.

FAMILY BONDING

On a more positive note, many people use the festive season to enhance family bonding. The festive season is a great reunion opportunity and should be used to be bring each member of the family closer, plan for the coming year together, agree on future aspirations and make commitments together.

Even more important is the fact that the festive season can positively enhance your intimacy. Stresses of life in the course of the year rob many couples of intimacy.

Communication becomes difficult and conflicts easily flare up. Sex loses meaning and becomes a duty rather than a pleasurable show of love to your partner.

These difficult times are so bad for relationships that they can lead to death of intimacy, separation and even divorce.

Use the opportunity of the festive season to repair the damage of the year. Reconcile, undertake sensual activities and try out your lifetime sexual fantasies on each other. Start the New Year re-energised and strong with a will to survive.

If need be, use the services of a counsellor, sex coach or other relationship professionals to help you maximise the benefits that this festive season is bound to offer.