Before You Play: Sexual Health

Transcription

1 Before You Play: Sexual Health

2 Consent Red Lights (Stop!) Partner says something like the following no or stop We should wait Let s slow down Other phrases indicating they do not want to have sex. Partner is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs Partner is motionless

3 Consent Yellow Lights (Slow down!) Partner says something like the following: Should we wait? I m not sure if I m ready I m not feeling it Partner does not say yes Partner doesn t seem into it

4 Consent Green Light (OK to keep going!) Partner says something like the following: Yes! Partner has the ability to give consent Is not intoxicated, under the influence of drugs, motionless, asleep, blacked out, etc.

5 So You ve Got the Green Light, How do You Stay Safe? Safe Sex means you take precautions to: Avoid unwanted pregnancy Avoid contacting to Sexually Transmitted Infections or Diseases (STI/STD) Maintain healthy sexual relationships with your partner(s)

6 Avoiding Unwanted Pregnancy Use Contraception. Condoms, birth control pill, implants, shots, etc. Condoms can be picked up for FREE (unlimited supply, no questions asked) at the Student Health Center. They are also sold over the counter and can be found at grocery stores, Walgreens, Walmart, and other retailers. Birth Control Pills and other forms of contraception require a prescription. Ask your provider to discuss options that are right for you. Emergency Contraception (EC) EC can be used up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, however, the sooner you take it the more effective it will be at preventing pregnancy. EC is NOT an abortion. It prevents fertilization of the egg. It DOES NOT destroy an already fertilized egg. EC can be found at the Student Health Center or bought over the counter at pharmacies. Avoid vaginal penetration. If there is ANY vaginal penetration without the use of contraception, there is a chance for pregnancy. Ending sexual intercourse before ejaculation can still result in pregnancy. You can not become pregnant during other non-vaginal sexual acts.

7 Condom FAQs Answered. Store in room temperature. Do not store in your car or other places that get very hot or freezing cold. Throw away condoms that are past expiration date. Yeah that condom your dad gave you on your 16 th birthday? Throw that away. Condoms will not make you less sensitive. Some condoms are made to enhance feeling and pleasure. Condoms can even increase the duration of intercourse! Using 2 condoms at once is not OK. Using condoms AND a different means of birth control is OK, and even recommended. Lotion, lipstick, Vasaline, and other oil-based lubricants make latex condoms less effective. Use water-based lubricant like KY. Condoms are for everyone! Condoms can stretch up to 18 inches wide and be latex-free. Every male should be able to use a condom. Condoms are the most effective way to prevent the transmission of STDs/STIs

8 Birth Control Pill FAQs Answered The Pill prevents pregnancy by preventing the ovulation of an egg and changing the environment of the uterus to be hostile toward sperm. Different brands of the Pill can contain different levels of hormones that also help prevent acne, headaches, cramps, mood swings and other uncomfortable symptoms that occur because of menstruation The Pill is most effective if taken every day at the same time. If you miss a pill, use a second form of birth control (like condoms) while you finish the remainder of the pack. When taken perfectly, the Pill is 99.9% effective in preventing pregnancy. You should not smoke cigarettes while using this form of birth control. The Pill offers ZERO protection from STDs and STIs The Pill is available at the UCCS Health Center and at other pharmacies.. You need a prescription to get it.

9 Sexually Transmitted Infections Also called Sexually Transmitted Diseases These are infections that are spread through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, oral, or genital touching- it s possible to get an STI without having intercourse) Many STIs do not have symptoms, so a person would not know if they had one without getting tested regularly Some STIs are common for people age and many are treatable, but can cause significant problems if left untreated. Avoid by: limiting sexual partners to those you know have been tested, using condoms properly and every time you have sex, abstinence

10 Healthy Sexual Relationships Communicate! Healthy sex is all about communication and honesty- likes, dislikes, desires, comfort, and discomfort. It is also about communicating expectations for the relationship after sex. The more comfortable you are (with your partner, yourself, and your environment) the more likely you are to have an enjoyable experience Just because you are married, in a relationship, besties, hooking up, hanging out, talking, texting, sexting, eyeing each other in lab, or whatever- does not mean that you have to want to have sex, all the time, or ever. It s totally ok to say no at any point of a relationship or nonrelationship. Intimacy problems can be a symptom of other problems in your relationship and vis versa. Couples counseling can be sought at the Counseling Center at UCCS.

11 Campus Resources UCCS Health Center UCCS Wellness Promotion UCCS Counseling Center Respect On Campus Campus Police Department Your RA Remember, you have agency in determining what sex will look like for you! Whether it s having zero, one, or multiple partners while at UCCS and beyond, being informed is important for everyone.