Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise and they could spell trouble for Brits wanting some festive fun under the mistletoe.

Rates of gonorrhoea have risen "significantly" in the last few years, including a new antibiotic-resistant strain of 'super-gonorrhoea' that could have deadly consequences.

Chlamydia and syphilis are also becoming more common, and Christmas provides the perfect breeding ground for these infections to spread.

Dr Mark Lawton from the British Association of Sexual Health & HIV (BASHH) said while there's no specific data looking at STI rates over the festive period, some common Christmas-time habits make the spread of disease more likely.

"We know alcohol use can impact on people's sexual behaviours and the use of condoms so may well lead to an increase," he told Daily Star Online.

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He said other factors are also to blame for Britain's climbing STI rates.

"Ultimately the increase in STI rates relates to unprotected sex but perhaps more specifically more sex with more partners," Dr Lawton added.

"This will be in part related to changes in attitudes towards sex and relationships, but is also likely to the increased use of dating apps and websites."

However there's a political element to the epidemic as well – and last week's election results might not bode well.

"Unfortunately the government have made damaging cuts funding to Public Health in recent years and this is having an impact on people being able to access sexual health services," Dr Lawton said.

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If the NHS stays underfunded – and if global science can't come up with a prompt solution – he said super-gonorrhoea could become a major problem.

"We have seen significant rises in gonorrhoea over the last few years. Last year's figures show worrying increases in levels of antibiotic resistance which could impact on the ability to treat gonorrhoea in the future."

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He said condom use, regular testing and quick treatment are key to preventing STIs from spreading.

Unfortunately for merrymakers who make a romantic connection this Christmas season, a one-night stand has a 30% chance of leaving either partner with an STI.

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GPs at Pall Mall Medical are warning loved-up Brits not to get carried away and forget about protection.

They're also urging the public to be mindful of their general health during the silly season, which can cause a range of maladies including food poisoning, dermatitis caused by not removing makeup before bed and flu from nights out wearing skimpy party dresses.

"Party season is full of festive cheer but these festivities can leave many of us feeling less than merry," said Dr Chun Tang, private GP at Pall Mall Medical.

"We'd advise Brits to take a proactive approach to their health this Christmas, whether that's booking in for a flu jab or taking up their free NHS jab if they qualify, preparing a post-party dish to eat when they get home or leaving face wipes by the bed so they're more likely to remove their make-up before falling asleep."

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