Sexual Wellness

Consent is

Freely Given - consenting is a choice you make without pressure or manipulation.

Reversible - anyone can change their mind about what they feel like doing, anytime.

Informed - both partners are transparent about STI status and plans for protection.

Enthusiastic - something both partners WANT to do, not indifferent or forced to do.

Specific - saying yes to one thing (kissing) does not imply a yes to others (sex).

• Consent is never implied by things like your past behavior, what you wear, or where you go.
• Silence is not consent.
• Communication is key. Sexual consent is always clearly communicated, there should be no question or mystery. Define your boundaries and respect those of your partners.

• Abstinence is only 100% effective way to avoid sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy.
• To protect yourself against most STIs including HIV, make sure no bodily fluids are exchanged. Some STIs can still be passed during skin-to-skin contact.  
• People can choose to be abstinent whenever they want, even if they’ve had sex before.

If you are sexually active, use condoms, dental dams, other barrier methods, and contraceptive options consistently and correctly during sex to reduce your risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancy

How To Use An External Condom 

1. Store condoms in a cool, dry place and check the expiration date
2. Carefully remove the condom from the wrapper, pinch air out of the tip of the condom and place condom on the erect penis, unroll condom all the way down the penis
3. After sex but before pulling out, hold the condom in place at the base then pull out while holding the condom in place
4. Carefully remove the condom and dispose of it in the trash

Contraception or birth control is designed to prevent pregnancy. There are a lot of options for contraception. Some methods are more effective than others, and no one option is best for everyone. Speak to your healthcare provider to determine which method is best for you.

Non-Hormonal

• Abstinence
• Barrier methods- condoms (internal/external)
• Copper IUD
• Spermicide

Hormonal

• Pill
• Patch
• Ring
• Implant
• Hormonal IUD
• Shot

Emergency Contraception

• Emergency contraceptives are an effective and safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex.
• Emergency contraceptives should not be used as the primary form of contraception.
• There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills. One requires a prescription and ones does not. The emergency contraception pill that does not require a prescription is widely available for purchase at many pharmacies and drug stores. There is no age restriction on purchasing emergency contraception.
• An IUD may be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex and is a form of emergency contraception. This method requires consultation with a medical provider.

Sexually transmitted infections are spread through sexual activity like unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection enters the body through mucous membranes and is carried by blood, semen (including pre-ejaculate), vaginal, rectal/anal fluids, and breast milk. Some STI’s can also be passed through skin-to-skin contact. Sweat urine, tears, and saliva do not transmit STIs.

Most STIs can be cured with medication before they cause health problems. All STIs can be treated and those who test positive can still have healthy relationships.

There are many ways to prevent STI transmission

• Get tested at least once a year for sexually active adults and get tested for STIs before having sex with a new partner. Regular testing is important because most people have no symptoms when they have an STI. Until you get tested and treated you can pass the STIs to others. To see a list of the most commons STIs and their symptoms click here.
• Practice abstinence
• Use a barrier method such as an internal or external condom or a dental dam
• Limit the number of sexual partners
• Communicate- if appropriate share your STI status and ask partners about theirs
• Get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B

HIV Prevention

• Get tested for HIV, sexually active adults should be tested annually, those with a higher risk for HIV should be tested every 3 months
• Use a new condom for every sex act
• Limit your number of sexual partners or practice abstinence
• Do not share needles for piercings, tattoos, or IV drugs

PrEP

• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a safe and effective prevention option for people who are HIV negative. PrEP is a medication that reduces your chances of getting HIV. Talk with a healthcare provider to find out if PrEP is right for you or go to hiv.gov for more information

• Remember the most common symptoms of STIs are no symptoms at all! Get tested every 3-6 months.
• Go to gettested.cdc.gov for the most updated information about testing sites near you
• Sexual health is important for people of any age, whether or not they are having sex, to take care of your sexual health and wellness you can:
• Have re gular medical check ups

Perform self-exams:

• Testicular self-exam - check your testicles every month to feel any new lumps or changes
• Breast self-exam - check your breasts regularly to find any new lumps or changes