Sexual Health
Exploring sexuality is a natural part of adult human behavior. “Hooking up” or having sex with a partner is a big decision. It involves many feelings, responsibilities and choices.
Are you ready?
Things to consider before engaging in sexual activity with a partner:
- Your personal values and goals
- Your feelings about the emotional and physical risks you are willing to take
- Whether you are feeling pressured
- Your ability to be clear with your partner about what you want and don’t want to happen
- You willingness to take responsibility for your actions
How to eliminate risk and keep yourself safe
To eliminate risk, abstain from sex or avoid sexual intimacy beyond fantasy, massage and mutual masturbation (provided partners do not have open sores). All other forms of sexual activity carry risk. To keep yourself safe, avoid alcohol and other drugs; they affect judgment and can lead to unsafe sex.
Contraception
Use contraception to avoid unintended pregnancy. There are a number of safe and reliable contraception choices. One of the most popular is the latex condom. Its popularity is well deserved as it is readily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and has the added benefit of reducing your risk of sexually transmitted disease. Condoms are available for free on campus at Student Health Services and Health Promotion Services.
Emergency Contraception (EC) is available 24/7. Click here for information on EC, including how to access it, its safety and efficacy, and the EC Advocates program.
Sexually Transmitted Disease
Practicing safer sex includes protecting yourself from a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Safer sex tips
- Form a monogamous relationship
- Avoid sexual intimacy until you and your partner have been tested for STDs
- Use a latex or polyurethane condom (both male and female are available) or dental dam with water-or silicone-based lubricant every time
- Check expiration dates
- Learn the symptoms of STDs
- Include STD testing in your yearly check-up whether or not you have symptoms
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs which can impair judgment
Where can you go for help?
Campus Experts
Student Health Services offers gynecological appointments with a women’s nurse practitioner or gynecologist. To make an appointment for an annual exam or to discuss your contraception options, call 314.935.6666.
Confidential testing and counseling are available at Student Health Services. Call 935-6666 for an appointment and specify the option you choose.
SARAH (Sexual Assault and Rape Action Hotline) offers an emergency hotline for students who need support. To talk to a peer counselor, call 314.935.8080.
On-Line Resources
- For information about emergency contraception, go to http://ec.princeton.edu
- For information about your contraception options, go to http://www.smartersex.org/contraception
- To learn about the transmission and symptoms of STDs, go to http://www.ashastd.org/learn/learn_overview.cfm
- For general sexual health information and facts, go to Go Ask Alice!
- Women: We recommend you have a routine gynecological visit and exam every year if you are over age 18 or have ever had sex. You may need to see a medical provider more often for certain conditions. Click here for additional information regarding the gynecological exam visit.
How can you learn more?
Professional
For brochures and other resources visit Health Promotion Services. To request a sexual health program, contact Melissa Ruwitch by calling 314.935.7139.
Peer
To request a peer-led sexual health program, call 935-7139.
