College is a time of intellectual and social growth. For many students, it’s also a period of personal exploration, which can include exploring sexuality. Understanding your own desires, boundaries, and relationships is a healthy and important part of development. However, sexuality is often stigmatized, and misinformation about sexual health is common. Sexual health is a key component of overall well-being, and being educated about it can help you make informed decisions and take better care of yourself.
Sex can look very different from person to person, but before engaging in any sexual activity, there are several important health factors to consider for an overall positive and safer experience.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are infections passed from one person to another through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria (like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) or viruses (like herpes, HIV, HPV).
Prevention: The most effective way to reduce the risk of STIs is through proper consistent use of barrier protection (external or internal condoms for penetrative sex and condoms or dental dams for oral sex). Prophylaxis can be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.
Detection: Many STIs don’t show symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your status. It’s recommended to get tested with each new sexual partner or annually. Testing can involve a urine sample, a blood sample, or a swab from the throat, genitals, or rectum, depending on the type of sex you’re having. Early detection is important, as untreated STIs can lead to serious long-term health complications.
Treatment: Bacterial STIs can typically be cured with antibiotics. Viral STIs can be managed effectively with antiviral medications.
Preventing Pregnancy
For those engaging in sex that may result in pregnancy, a reliable plan for prevention is crucial. There are many effective options.
Hormonal options: Include birth control pills, patches, shots, vaginal rings, arm implants, and hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs). They work by preventing ovulation or thickening cervical mucus.
Non-hormonal options: Include external and internal condoms and a copper IUD.
Emergency contraception: Used after unprotected sex to prevent or delay ovulation and prevent pregnancy.
Permanent options: Sterilization procedures (like tubal ligation or vasectomy) are available for those who are certain they do not want children in the future.
Information/ Resources
Many people turn to the internet for information about sexual health due to its privacy and accessibility, but information can vary in quality and accuracy. To avoid misinformation, it’s crucial to seek out reputable sources, such as:
- SHAW: The Student Health and Wellness Center provides STI and pregnancy prevention prophylaxis and detection services and other free resources.
- Planned Parenthood: Sexual and reproductive health care and education.
- Your primary care provider/gynecologist/urologist: They can offer personalized medical advice.
- Other reputable sources include Scarleteen, Guttmacher Institute, American Sexual Health Association (ASHA)
By being informed and proactive, you can navigate your sexuality in college in a way that is safe, healthy, and empowering.
-Asymina (she/her)
Peer Health Educator