Sexual Health

Sex is likely to be part of life at some stage for each of us and realistically sometimes things can get complicated.

As it is so closely related to our emotional and physical health, it is important to be clued up on who and what can help you stay as sane and fit as possible.

Having Sex for the first time

People can feel as if there is endless pressure to have sex and you may feel excluded if you haven't had sex yet. The messages seem to come from all sides - from your mates and from the media. The endless images of good looking couples having a good time can make you feel like you are the only person in the world who isn't doing it.

This kind of pressure can push you into having sex for all the wrong reasons. If your partner isn't ready for sex, imagine how they feel if you keep pressurising them about it. Be fair to yourself and your partner and only have sex if you both want to. It's your body, your choice and your right to say no.

If you feel unduly pressured by your partner, or wish to discuss this issue, contact the SU Advice & Development Manager in the SU or the Student Counselling Service.

The Brook Advisory Centre offers free, confidential sex advice and sexual health service for young people of under 25 years old.

Please click here to access more information on The Brook Advisory Centre

Contraception

If you do make the decision to have sex with your partner, do enjoy it, but above all, make it safe. Using a condom will protect young women from unwanted pregnancy, but a condom is also an effective barrier method, protecting each partner from sexually transmitted infections.

The majority of the student population may well feel that they are fully clued up about contraception, but how many of you know where on campus you can get free condoms if you are caught out?

Although not the only option, the most effective way to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy and STI's (Sexually Transmitted Infections) is to use a condom or femidom during oral and penetrative sex, because it is the only real barrier.

No contraception is 100% reliable and accidents can happen, the most important thing is to face up to these and deal with them as soon as possible, whether it be taking the morning after pill, contacting the local GUM clinic for tests or speaking to someone about an unplanned pregnancy.

Non-hormonal Contraception

Non-hormonal contraception works by either preventing sperm fertilising an egg, or preventing the implantation of a fertilised egg into the lining of the womb.

For information about Non-hormonal contraception click here.

Hormonal Contraception

Hormonal methods of contraception are very reliable and reversible once treatment is stopped. The most popular hormonal contraception is the pill, a small tablet that usually contains a combination of two sex hormones. Alternatives to the pill include patches, injections, and implants, and the progestogen-only pill.

For information about Hormonal contraception click here.

Free Condoms

We have arranged that free condoms be available to students throughout the year. Please call into the Advice & Development Manager's office and I will issue condoms to you on a completely confidential basis.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

When you enter into a sexual relationship, it is important to be aware of the precautions that are available. With the pill as the most commonly used form of contraception, it signifies that in the forefront of many people's minds, is ensuring that you do not fall pregnant. However, another potentially life changing consequence of having sex, is catching a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). On the most part these are treatable and will not reoccur, (unless contracted from a partner again) however it is not only HIV that stays with you for life!

Although not the only option, the most effective way to protect yourself against unwanted pregnancy and STI's is to use a condom or femidom during oral and penetrative sex, because it is the only real barrier.

Genito-Urinary Medicine clinics (GUM) are also known as sexually transmitted infection clinics, offer free and confidential advice, counselling and treatment of all sexually transmitted infections, and other genital conditions. Pre and post HIV test counselling and HIV tests are also available.

You can book yourself an appointment and do not need to see your doctor first. Any contact that you have with a GUM Clinic is in complete confidence, no information about you is passed out of the clinic without your permission.

Statistics show a marked increase in the rates of sexually transmitted infections among men and women. If you have any concerns over sexual health, relationships, pregnancy, the Pond Street Clinic offers free, confidential sex advice and sexual health service.

Pregnancy

Naturally, when you are involved in a sexual relationship, one situation that may arise is falling pregnant.

Pregnancy can be joyous news for those where it is planned, but if it comes as a surprise to you, it can cause rather a dilemma. For some, it's a simple decision, but there is plenty of advice and guidance available to talk you through your options so do make the most of them. Whatever decision you make, it will probably impact upon your studies and may well have repercussions on your personal life.

The Advice & Support Staff will be able to help you with your options, but there are specialist sources too.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) is particularly excellent. They can give you advice on how to cope with pregnancy, or what is involved if you decide a termination is the best option for you. Call them or visit their website to find out more:

BPAS Actionline - 08457 30 40 30

Click here to visit the BPAS website.

Irrespective of your decision, it is important to ensure that your department is aware of the external pressures that you are having cope with, so we would advise you to either speak with your Personal Tutor, or in confidence to the Advice and Development Manager from the Students' Union, or someone from the Counselling Service.

Remember, there are numerous people willing and ready to support you.