|
Being sexually active carries with it the responsibility to consider the possibility of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with every sexual encounter. The decision to be sexually active is one that many students consider during their college years. It is a decision that should be made carefully to ensure both physical and emotional health. It should be made based on personal values and careful thought, and not decided in the “heat of the moment”.
If you decide that being sexually active is right for you, information and supplies for various methods of contraception are available at Student Health Service (condoms, birth control pills, Depo-Provera shot, or an intrauterine device). You should use a reliable method of birth control every time you have sex, and protect yourself from STIs (sexually transmitted infections) by using a lubricated latex condom before any genital contact. Other contraceptives can protect you from a resultant pregnacy, but only condoms can protect you from STIs.
Condoms are available on a walk-in basis during
regular open hours for Student Health. You may stop by at your
convenience and choose from the 30-plus variety of condoms that we
stock at G281-A, ground floor, Health Sciences Center. Additionally, Student Health Service offers the State-wide Family Planning Program, which provides contraceptives and education, examinations with Pap smears and certain STI tests. Confidential testing for pregnancy or concerns of the possibility of STIs, treatment of vaginitis, or evaluation of irregular menstruation can be done in medical appointments.
Being sexually responsible also means avoiding sex under the influence of drugs, which includes alcohol. Pregnancy and acquisition of STIs frequently result from the influence of alcohol and drugs. Drunken sex is rarely safe sex. Mutual consent rarely accompanies sex under the influence. SHS has two Registered Nurses with certification as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) on staff, as well as a counsellor whose emphasis is Sexual Assault Education and Prevention. Besides sobriety, being sexually responsible also means a relationship that is trusting, respectful and mutually satisfying. It means communicating your needs, desires and boundaries in a clear fashion.
Confidential HIV testing is available by appointment at SHS. Monongalia County Health Department and Health Right Clinic are alternatives in Morgantown for anonymous HIV tests. Say “No!” to casual sex. Having one partner for a short time and then moving on to another partner (this is referred to as serial monogamy) can be high risk behavior.
For women only: Once a woman becomes sexually active or reaches the age of 21 she should have a PAP test. This test checks for early signs of cancer and often detects abnormalities possibly consistent with STIs. Assuming the PAP is normal it should be performed annually. Breast self exams should be performed monthly and breast exams by a health care professional should be performed every two or three years for college aged women.
For men only: Testicular cancer is one of the most common forms of cancers among college aged men. It can usually be cured if found early. Testicular self exams should be performed monthly by men.
Emergency contraception medication (the "morning after pill") is available at SHS for situations where contraceptive protection was compromised, such as condom failure, unprotected sex or sexual assault. Emergency contraception medication is effective at reducing the risk of pregnancy in such a situation if started within 120 hours, but it should be emphasized it should be administered as soon as possible to potentiate its effectiveness. Emergency contraception is available over the counter at local pharmacies or you may call for an appointment with the nurse to obtain it from the Family Planning Program at Student Health. To learn more, go to not-2-late.com.
|
