Trust offers contraception advice

Morning after pills are available from surgeries and pharmacies

Young people in Somerset are being reminded that emergency contraception is available during the festive season.

Somerset Primary Care Trust advised people to be prepared at Christmas and New Year to avoid unplanned pregnancies and sexually-transmitted infections.

But morning after pills were available for those who had failed to take precautions, the trust said.

People were advised to check which of their local surgeries or pharmacies were open to obtain contraception.

Confidential

Dr Caroline Gamlin, from the trust, said: "Every year the festive fun can end abruptly for some men and women as unprotected sex leads to fear of pregnancy.

"Emergency contraception is available free from any doctor at any surgery and from the Somerset Contraceptive and Sexual Health Service.

"It is also available if you are under 16 years of age and advice regarding emergency contraception is completely confidential."

Condoms and femidoms are the only form of contraception that will also protect against sexually-transmitted infections, she added.