“If you have sex, you will get chlamydia and die”… is what you might have been told to encourage your abstinence.
The truth is that everyone has different wants and expectations, and it is important to know what yours are. Whether that means abstinence or not, there are things everyone should know.
The most important part is consent. Everyone needs to ask for consent from any partner before anything can happen. Consent does not mean trying to convince someone to do something, if there is not an enthusiastic and resounding “yes”, it is not consent.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time. If you are asked to stop, do so. For people who do not wish to continue an act, do not be afraid to speak up.
In addition, the buddy system can be a great way to get you out of a situation you do not want to be in. Communicate with a friend you are going out with and make sure you have each other’s backs.
If you decide you want to have sex, use a condom. Multiple places on campus, including the Wellness Center and some dorms, hand them out for free. Not only will a rubber protect you from pregnancy, it will prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Many college students experience the unwanted side effects of easily spread diseases such as herpes or “the clap.” In order to prevent that, one can use a male or female condom or a dental dam.
If your protection breaks, which can happen, it is important to keep up on your wellness and get tested for STDs. There are free tests on campus for all students and many are easily fixed with some antibiotics.
For those who can get pregnant, it is vital to look into different forms of birth control that work for you to ensure that you will not get pregnant. There are a lot of options: the pill, an IUD, Nexplanon, patches, NuvaRings and spermicide. Professional advice from a doctor or nurse can help you make this decision.
Finding someone you trust to talk about sex with can help you find your own voice when it comes to consent. It is okay to have stipulations for your partners and expectations. Communication is the key to having safe sex that all parties enjoy.
Real Talk and the Sexual Citizens club on campus hold events throughout the year that will touch on these subjects. We should all be able to talk openly about sex so that it is easier to prevent STDs, pregnancy and sexual assault.
If you or someone you know is dealing with any sort of harassment or assault, please say something. Talking to an RA, professor, staff or submitting a report on MavZone will connect people to the help they need.
