Sexual Health

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Sexual health involves a respectful approach to safer sexual experiences, free from coercion, assault, and discrimination for all sexual orientations and expressions and gender identities and relationships. It is important for all individuals to have the information and resources to help them make informed decisions, without shame or judgment, should they choose to engage in sexual behavior.

CONSENT

Consent is an important part in making sexual activities safe, mutual, and enjoyable by ensuring that each individual’s boundaries, feelings, and choices are respected.

Consent is a clear, affirmative, unambiguous and freely given agreement to engage in a specific sexual activity.

  • Clear: demonstrated verbally, such as asking “would you like it if I…” or through actions that clearly indicate a willingness to engage in the specific sexual activity, such as nodding yes, reciprocated touching, or pulling someone closer.
  • Affirmative: must be voluntarily agreeing, knowing the full implications.
  • Ambiguous: never implied or assumed.
  • Freely Given: cannot be given when it is coerced, forced, or obtained by use of duress, fear, threats, or violence.

To give consent, a person must be awake, of legal age, and have the capacity to reasonably understand the nature of their actions. Consent cannot be given by an individual who is mentally or physically incapacitated through the effect of drugs, alcohol or other intoxicants or for any other reason. It is automatically withdrawn when a person is no longer capable of giving consent.

Sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent or after consent is withdrawn is sexual assault. Consent may be withdrawn at any time for any reason. The use of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants does not diminish one's responsibility to obtain consent.

Consent is not implied by the existence of a prior or current relationship or participation in prior sexual activity. Additionally, consent for one specific activity does not imply consent for any other activity.

If you have experienced sexual assault, the Confidential Advisor can provide a safe space to explore options and get connected to supportive services.

CONTRACEPTION

Unprotected sexual activity can put individuals at risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Contraceptives are methods to prevent pregnancy and reduce infections. A medical provider can help you choose the best contraception option(s) for you by assessing your medical and sexual health needs.

Condom: Condoms are thin, stretchy pouches worn either internally or externally during intercourse. They prevent the exchange of the bodily fluids that spread infections or allow sperm to meet an egg, resulting in pregnancy. Condoms are 87% effective and are low to no cost. They should be used during oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services offers free condoms in our office. Low-cost condoms, lubricant, and dental dams are available for purchase at the Student Health Center Pharmacy and its vending machine located inside the Recreation Center.

Birth Control: Birth control is hormonal medication that safety stop an egg from being fertilized to ensure pregnancy cannot take place. There are several hormonal options; methods include oral pills, patches, shots, and vaginal rings. These options are 93-96% effective at preventing pregnancy when administered on schedule. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Implant/IUD: These tiny devices are inserted into your body for up to 5-12 years. They release hormones into your body that stop an egg from being fertilized to ensure pregnancy cannot take place. There are several hormonal and material options. These options are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. They do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.

Most birth control methods require a prescription. Make an appointment with a provider in the Student Health Center clinic. Cost is dependent on insurance coverage.

Emergency Contraception: Hormonal medication that is used to prevent pregnancy within 5 days after unprotected sex, broken condoms, or mistakes with birth control. Emergency contraception is more effective when taken as soon as possible. Emergency contraception is NOT an abortion pill or a long-term birth control option. After taking emergency contraception of any type, it is normal for your period to be disrupted and to take time to regulate. It is generally advised to take a pregnancy test three weeks after taking emergency contraception to be sure that it worked.

Low-cost emergency contraception is available for purchase at the Student Health Center Pharmacy and its vending machine located inside the Recreation Center. 

Some options require a prescription. Make an appointment an appointment with a provider in the Student Health Center clinic.

PREGNANCY

Early information, resources, and referrals are vital to ensuring individuals know their reproductive options. The choice to continue or end a pregnancy is one that is personal to the individual and involves complex cultural and social factors. Students who are pregnant and/or dealing with pregnancy-related conditions have protections under Title IX. If you feel you are being discriminated against due to belonging to this protected class or are just interested in what these rights entail, schedule time to talk to the Confidential Advisor.

Student Health Services offers pregnancy consultation appointments and pregnancy tests. You can visit the Saluki Health Portal to make an appointment with a provider in the Student Health Center clinic. Students seeking information about pregnancy through Student Health Services can be assured that they will not be pressured into any particular outcome, but will be given all the medically appropriate information to assist them. Counseling and Psychological Services is also available for students who need a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space to process this decision. Call 618-453-5371 for an appointment.

If you are considering ending a pregnancy, your options may be determined by the number of weeks you have been pregnant. Medication abortions may be available for those 10 or fewer weeks. Surgical procedures may be available between 6 days and 14-18 weeks. In Illinois, surgical abortions can be obtained up to the point of viability and beyond if there is a threat to the life of the pregnant person or a complication that makes the fetus incompatible with life. Student Health Services does not provide pregnancy termination, but referrals to local resources, including Alamo Women’s Clinic, Choices, and Planned Parenthood, can be made.

Prenatal care is important to both the individual and the baby’s health. Early and regular healthcare can increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and lower the risk of premature birth and health problems. While Student Health Services does not provide prenatal care, referrals to community OBGYNs can be made. These providers can assist individuals with adoption information and resources.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

It is important to have knowledge about the risks of engaging in unprotected sexual activity, including sexually transmitted infections. STIs are bacteria, viruses, or parasites transmitted from person to person in blood, semen, vaginal, and other bodily fluids. They are mainly passed through sexual contact, but can also be spread through blood transfusion, shared needles, or to infants during pregnancy or childbirth.

STIs can have a range of symptoms, which might include unusual or odorous discharge from the vagina or penis, genital, oral, or rectal sores or bumps, painful or burning urination, and lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and pain during sex. Symptoms may appear a few days after exposure or may go unnoticed for years. Sexually transmitted infections do not always cause symptoms. A person can contract an STI from a seemingly healthy individual and may not know they have an infection.

Sexually active individuals should see a health care provider if they suspect they have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection and/or experience symptoms. Appointments for STI testing and consultation with a provider in the Student Health Center clinic can be made using the Saluki Health Portal. It is also recommended to receive annual STI screening as part of your routine health care. Individuals without symptoms or direct exposure may visit the Student Health Center lab for self-swab screening. No appointment is necessary, but appointments can be made using the Saluki Health Portal.

Most sexually transmitted infections can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a medical provider. Early treatment helps prevent long-term complications. Disclosure of positive STI tests prevent reinfection by an untreated partner.

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