Sexual Health

Remember, everyone involved in the sexual relationship should...

• Have access to sexual health care,
• Have access to credible information about sex and sexuality,
• Know about the risks of unprotected sex, and...
• Be in an environment where their sexual health is guaranteed to be a priority.

This means you and your partner should be informed about negative consequences such as:

• Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Unintended pregnancy (and the choices you are faced with once you know)
• Stress and social problems

To avoid the risks listed above, you and your partner can use sexual health products!

An item that protects your physical health during any kind of sex is a sexual health product. Consistent use of these products is the key to maintaining healthy, safe sex. These items include:

• External (penis) condoms
• Internal (vaginal or anal) condoms
• Dental Dams
• Lubricant
• Birth control (ask your doctor which is best for you)

You can buy most of these from your local convenience store, or get them for FREE at the Health Education and Promotion Center on campus!

Male and female condoms must be used correctly to protect you from STIs and prevent pregnancy! Here are some tips from the CDC on how to use each kind:

Penis Condoms

• DO use latex or polyurethane condoms.
• DO read the package and check the expiration date (if it's expired, throw it out).
• DO check for tears or defects.
• DO put on a condom before having sex.
• DO use water-based or silicone-based lubricant to prevent breakage.
• DO use one every time you have sex [and in between sessions].
• DO store condoms in a cool, dry place.
• DON’T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them.
• DON’T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide) with the condom, as this can cause irritation.
• DON’T use oil-based products as they will make the condom break.
  • This includes but is not limited to hair oils, baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, and cooking oils.
• DON’T use more than one condom at a time.
• DON’T reuse a condom.

Vaginal/Anal Condoms

• DO read the condom package insert and check the expiration date.
• DO make sure there are no tears or defects.
• DO use lubricant to help prevent the condom from slipping and tearing.
• DO use a female condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal or anal sex.
• DO store female condoms in a cool, dry place.
• DON’T use a male condom with a female condom, as this can cause tearing.
• DON’T reuse a female condom.
• DON’T flush female condoms as they may clog the toilet.