Going to College and Staying Healthy:
Sexual Health
What do I need to know if I'm sexually active or if I'm thinking about becoming sexually active?
Young people make lots of decisions about their sexuality during college, including whether to abstain from sexual intercourse or become, or continue being, sexually active. Other sexuality issues that teens need to make decisions about are the gender of partners, the type of contraception, and the intensity of the relationships. You should never let others pressure you into having sex if you don't want to. The decision is only yours as to when you want to have sex, the first time and every time.
Before you decide to have a sexual relationship, talk to your partner about whether this is the right decision for you. Ask about his or her sexual history, including if he or she has been exposed to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Discuss whether you or your partner will be sexually involved with other people. Remember, the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease or a virus that can cause cancer or AIDS is increased if you or your partner are having sexual intercourse with other people. The more partners, the greater the risk. The only way to absolutely prevent getting a sexually transmitted disease is to not have sex. If you do decide to have sex, the best way to avoid getting any sexually transmitted diseases is to have sex with only one person that has never been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease. You should use a latex condom every time you have sex, from start to finish.
If you are in a heterosexual relationship (you are dating a male), talk about birth control (latex condom, birth control pill, injection hormones) and what you would do if it failed. If you feel that you cannot talk to your partner about these issues, then you should rethink if you should be having a sexual relationship with him. Talk to your Student Health Service about what methods of birth control they offer for students and what types of counseling and services are offered for young women who have a planned or unplanned pregnancy. Make sure you know how to receive confidential, non-judgmental services.
Practice these questions to ask:
If your birth control method fails, you do have an option called emergency contraception, also know as the "morning-after pill." Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. Emergency contraception pills are taken in 2 doses. The first dose should be taken within the 72 hours after unprotected sex, and the second dose should be taken 12 hours later. The sooner you start the medicine after unprotected sex, the more effective the treatment is. You can usually get emergency contraception from Planned Parenthood (see hotline number below), other family planning clinics, or your college Student Health Services. Find out whether your Health Services offers emergency contraception and whether it can be given out in advance.
College is also a time when many young people are trying to figure out their sexual orientation. There are counselors available at your Student Health Service if you wish to talk with someone. Many colleges also have support groups for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students.
Check out these other College Health Guides:
Knowing About My Health Before I Go to College
First Aid Supplies to Take with Me to College
Health Services and Health Care Providers
Some Common Health Problems at College
Violence/Abuse in Relationships
Resources: Hotlines/Websites/Books
Updated 6/12/2001
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