An individual's understanding of sexual health often depends on the type of education they received in school and whether the topic was openly discussed within their family or social circles. Talking about sex and sexual health can be uncomfortable; however, it is important to understand how your body works, know how to stay safe during sexual activities, and cultivate your set of values and beliefs around sexual wellbeing so that you can make informed decisions.
College is a time when many people start examining their own values around sex, discovering their preferences, and learning to express what they want from their relationships. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, free of pressure, discrimination, and violence.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SEXUALLY HEALTHY
The American Sexual Health Association defines being sexually healthy as:
- Understanding that sexuality is a natural part of life and involves more than sexual behavior.
- Recognizing and respecting the sexual rights we all share.
- Having access to sexual health information, education, and care.
- Being able to experience sexual pleasure, satisfaction, and intimacy when desired.
- Making an effort to prevent STIs and seek care and treatment when needed.
- Being able to communicate about sexual health with others including sexual partners and health care providers.
(This definition has been modified to align with the Jesuit values of 91³Ô¹ÏÍø University.)
WHAT ARE STIS
STIs are sexual transmitted infections that you can get from any kind of sexual contact involving your mouth anus, vagina, or penis. There are many types of STIs with a variety of symptoms, but common symptoms can include burning, itching, or discharge in your genital area. However, with some STIs you may not experience any symptoms, or symptoms may not develop until much later. All STIs are serious and require treatment (Cleveland Clinic, 2023). You can learn more about the signs and symptoms of different STIs on the .
STI TESTING
Sexually transmitted infections are highly contagious and if you are sexually active, you could be at risk of contracting or passing on an STI without even knowing it. To keep yourself and others safe from STIs, it's important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
STI PREVENTION STRATEGIES
The only way to eliminate your risk for STIs is to abstain from all forms of sexual activity. If you do choose to engage in sexual activity, there are ways you can reduce your risk of contracting STIs.
- Get vaccinated. Ask your healthcare provider what vaccines are best for you and your sexual activity. Common vaccines to prevent certain STIs are the HPV vaccine, the Hepatitis A vaccine, and the Hepatitis B vaccines.
- Get tested regularly for STIs and before engaging in sexual activity with a new partner. 91³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Health and Counseling center provides off-site STI testing. You can also find local testing sites by utilizing the Office of Health Promotion’s Off-Campus STI Testing Resource below.
- Limit your number of sexual partners and ask your partner about their STI status before engaging in sexual activity. This can also be a great time to talk about your preferences and boundaries around sex.
- Consider taking preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at a higher risk of contracting HIV.
- Avoid alcohol and other drugs as you are more likely to take sexual risks and not practice safe sex when consuming.
- Use external or internal latex condoms and dental damns every time you engage in vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Do not use oil-based lubricant as this can break down latex condoms. Non-barrier methods of contraception do not protect against STIs.
(Source: Mayo Clinic, 2023 & Cleveland Clinic, 2023)
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
91³Ô¹ÏÍø University offers a range of reproductive health, sexual transmitted infection (STI) resources designed to promote sexual health as a state of physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social well-being.
91³Ô¹ÏÍø Health and Counseling Services provides STI screenings, evaluation and treatment of acute illnesses, immunizations, referrals, and related health education. However, please be advised that 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Health and Counseling Services does not offer birth control devices or contraceptives used for the purpose of birth control.
Use your Student Online Health Portal, call 509-313-4052 or email studenthealth@gonzaga.edu to make an appointment.
OFF-CAMPUS AND ONLINE RESOURCES
Understanding your values and preferences can help you set sexual boundaries. Sexual boundaries help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your partner. This article describes what sexual boundaries are and how to communicate them to others.
Knowing your body and its anatomy is an important factor in your overall wellbeing. The American Sexual Health Association provides a comprehensive guide to sexual and reproductive anatomy along with the progress that occur in each system. Understanding the way your body works allows you to recognize when something isn’t quite right and when you should seek care.
For many people, seeing their provider for sexual health screenings like a pelvic or testicular exam can be scary or uncomfortable. The American Sexual Health Association shares what to expect when getting a pelvic or testicular exam so you can feel more comfortable and confident when you schedule your next screening. The American Sexual Health Association also describes how to perform self-exams since you are often the first person to know when something isn’t right with your body.
An anonymous health and well-being question and answer site that is part of Columbia University. Go Ask Alice! does not provide medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment recommendations. You can learn more about sexual and reproductive health here.
STI testing is a critical component of sexual health education, which empowers individuals to take charge of their well-being. Please use this site as a resource for basic information about bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections.
There are more than 30 strains of the Human Papilloma Virus. Some of the strains can cause warts on different parts of the body while others are more high risk and can lead to cancers in both males and females. You can take preventive measures, including the HPV vaccine and getting regular screenings, to reduce your risk.
Want to ask your doctor about sexual health but don't know where to start? If you're not sure what you should be asking about, or even how to ask it, this guide has got you covered. It’s also important to talk with your partner about topics like your status, testing, HIV prevention options, and sexual preferences. HealthySexual provides conversation starters for initiating hard or uncomfortable conversations.
LGBTQIA+ SEXUAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Sexual health is important for everyone. Most sexual and reproductive health education has been disproportionally geared toward straight cis persons. Below are curated resources for those who identify as LGBTQIA+ or for those who want to learn more. It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and does not address all LBGTQIA+ needs and identities.