A night of passion may leave you fearing the worst. But help is at hand – your chemist can advise on emergency contraception.

The festive season is almost upon us. This is a time for letting your hair down, making merry, and enjoying yourself.

It’s easy to get carried away with the moment and find yourself in a passionate situation that you hadn’t planned.

Unfortunately all too many are left with that morning after- the-night-before feeling – fearing what a night of unprotected sex might bring nine months down the line.

Whether you are worried that your usual form of contraception may have failed – like a condom splitting, or you have missed taking your pill, or you simply forgot to use any protection – your local pharmacist can help.

Providing you are over 16, he or she can dispense emergency contraception – the morning after pill – without a doctor’s prescription – up to 72 hours after unprotected sex.

Many chemists have private consulting rooms and all can offer completely confidential, anonymous advice to ensure that the pill is suitable for you to use.

They will take into account any existing health conditions or allergies that might exclude you from using it, and explain how the pill works and what to expect after taking it.

The morning after pill is thought to be up to 84 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy if it’s taken as directed and within three days of sex.

Ideally it should be taken within 12 hours to be most effective.

The morning after pill is not a substitute for long-term contraception, shouldn’t be used on a regular basis, and won’t stop a pregnancy if you are already pregnant.

You shouldn’t take the pill if you suspect you are already pregnant.

And always let the pharmacist know if you are breastfeeding or have any other health conditions before taking the pill.

Aside from emergency contraception, pharmacists can offer advice on all the options available, and girls under 16 can still seek advice from their pharmacist.

All pharmacists and chemists undergo intensive training and have to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

They can offer advice on a wide range of common health problems and if you are unsure whether you need to see a doctor, they can help you decide on that too.

You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence, even about the most personal symptoms and you don't need to make an appointment – just walk into any local pharmacy and they will be happy to help.