Sexual Health: 101
Sexual Health 101
An IC student’s guide to birth control,
STD’s, sexuality, and relationships.
Sexual Health: 101
Healthy relationships can be tricky to find, but don’t give up!
There are many genuine, caring people out there looking to
have a good time and date, intimately connect, and find their
“soul mate.”
Are you are in a ‘healthy’ relationship?
Some traits may include:
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Managing conflict well.
Making the relationship a priority.
Making one another feel special.
Arguments don’t always lead to breakups!
Partners openly communicate wants, needs, feelings,
and emotions with feeling judged.
Sexual intimacy—when present— is emotionally and
physically satisfying to both partners.
There is NO abuse: physical, verbal, or emotional..
That means no stalking or intrusive contact.
The relationship is nurturing, comfortable, and fun.
Both partners have boundaries and can say “no” to
requests without feeling guilty.
Each person can take care of other aspects of their
life without jeopardizing the relationship.
There is “together time” as well as “alone time.”
Partners are honest and trustworthy. Secrets are not
shared with others.
*Intimacy is
often
strengthened
when partners
are friends first
and become
relaxed and
open around
each other.
Sexual Health: 101
Am I Ready to Have Sex?
Sexuality is a normal, natural, and complicated part of life.
Consider the following:
Personal Values and Goals
What messages have I gotten from my
family about sex?
What are my religious or moral views?
Do I want monogamy (one partner only)?
How might sex affect my future plans?
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Reasons for Sex?
I feel like the only “virgin” in my group
of friends.
I want to “get it over with.”
My partner will break up with me if I
don’t have sex.
Having sex will make me more popular.
I’ll feel more mature if I have sex.
I want to get back at my parents.
Emotional Risks
Will having sex make me feel
differently about myself?
Will my feelings toward my
partner change after sex?
Will sex affect our commitment yo
each other ?
What if sex isn’t what I expected?
Will having sex end my relationship?
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Protecting Yourself & Partner:
Physical Risks
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I know how to reduce my risk of
getting an STI.
I have condoms handy & use
them.
I know how to prevent pregnancy.
I have reliable birth control and
know how to use it effectively.
I know how I would handle an STI
or unintended pregnancy.
I get tested for STI’s regularly.
I have discussed sex with my
partner.
Am I ready to Be Clear?
I’m embarrassed to talk with my partner about safer sex and birth control.
It’s easier to talk with my partner
when I use alcohol and other drugs.
I don’t know how to say “no.”
Saying “no” will hurt my partner’s
feelings.
I’m uncomfortable letting my partner
know what kinds of sex play I do and
do not like.
Sexual Health: 101
Take time to weigh your birth control options and discuss with your
medical provider to find out the best method for you. Remember,
always use a barrier (condom or dental dam) during sex to prevent
the spread of sexually transmitted infection and disease!
Consider these questions while deciding which
method of birth control is right for you:
1. Is pregnancy possible? If so, how important is it that I don’t get
pregnant right now?
2. How comfortable do I feel about using this method?
3. Is this method safe for me?
4. How does my partner feel about birth control?
5. Is this method easy to use?
6. How much will this method cost me (per month, per year)?
7. How do I feel about touching my body in order to use this method?
8. Do I need a method that helps protect me from HIV and other STIs?
9. Do I have religious or moral feelings about using birth control?
10. How often do I have sex?
The only sure way not
to get pregnant or
contract an STI is not
to have sex.
(abstinence)
Sexual Health: 101
Contraceptives - Be informed!
METHOD
WHAT IS IT?
% NO PREGNANCY
Condoms/
Rubbers
Fits over erect penis to catch sperm when man Perfect use– 98%
ejaculates.
Typical use– 85%
DepoProvera
Shot of artificial hormones given by medical
provider.
-Stops ovaries from releasing egg; thickens
mucus in cervix.
Diaphragm
Rubber cup fits inside vagina, over cervix. Must Perfect use– 94%
be fitted by a medical provider. Used with
Typical use– 84%
contraceptive jelly or cream that kills sperm.
Foam, Suppositories,
and Film
Made of sperm-killing chemicals.
Put into vagina before sex.
Perfect use– 82%
Typical use– 71%
Implanon
Tiny rod put under skin of arm by medical
provider; slowly releases artificial hormones;
stops egg release from ovary.
More than 99%
IUD (Intrauterine
Device)
Small device put inside womb by medical
provider; prevents sperm from fertilizing egg.
More than 99%
Calendar
Method
Woman learns to recognize fertile days of
menstrual cycle = don’t have sex.
Perfect use– 95%
Typical use– 75%
Pill, Patch,
Ring
Pills, skin patch, or vaginal ring that release
Perfect use– more
artificial hormones; stops egg release; thickens than 99%
cervical mucus; prescribed by medical provider.
Perfect use– more
than 99%
Typical use– 97%
Typical use– 92%
Abstinence is 100% effective in preventing pregnancy and STIs.
Sexual Health: 101
What Does STD/STI Mean?
STD or STI = sexually transmitted disease or infection. Some STDs
infect only your sexual and reproductive organs, while others, like
HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis, and herpes, can cause other bodily
infections, even death...
Many STDs often have NO signs OR symptoms, or the symptoms
may disappear while the infection is still present. Become
familiar with the signs and symptoms...
Women
Men
Women and Men
An unusual discharge or A drip or discharge from Sores, bumps or blisters
smell from your vagina. your penis.
near your genitals, rectum,
or mouth.
Pain in pelvic area–
between your belly button
and genitals.
Burning and pain when
you pee or have a bowel
movement.
Burning or itching
around your vagina.
Urge or need to urinate
often.
Bleeding from vagina that
is not regular period.
Itching in your genital
areas.
Pain inside your vagina
during intercourse.
A swelling or redness in
your throat.
How Are STDs Spread?
Flu-like feelings, with
fever, chills, and aches.
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Vaginal-Penile Sex
Oral or Anal Sex
Some (HIV and Hepatitis B) are also spread by
contact with infected blood/needle sharing.
Genital Touching
Swelling in your groin
– the area around your
pelvic area.
Sexual Health: 101
Did you know...
LGBT/GLBT: Acronyms for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,
issues, and community.
Bisexual: A person emotionally, romantically, sexually and relationally
attracted to both men and women, though not necessarily simultaneously. A
bisexual person may not be equally attracted to both sexes.
Transgender: Describes a broad range of people who experience and/or
express their gender differently from what most people expect. An umbrella
term that includes people who are transsexual, cross-dressers or otherwise
gender non-confirming.
Gender identity: The gender role that a person claims for his or her self–
which may or may not align with his or her physical gender.
Queer: A term that is inclusive of people who are not heterosexual. For
some, the word has a negative connotation, but many are comfortable with it.
Ally: Someone who supports and honors sexual diversity and acts to
challenge sexual bias, stereotypes, and prejudices.
Coming Out: The process of accepting and letting others know that you are
gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender (GLBT). This process may follow a
time of questioning one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Visit the Center for LGBT Education, Outreach and Services
Located on the Lower Level of Hammond Health Center.
The Center provides:
An office staffed by a professional program director.
A resource room that offers a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBT people and their allies.
Resources, information, and referrals on LGBT issues.
LGBT-themed educational programs and events!
Sexual Health: 101
Services on Campus
Hammond Health Center
Appointments: call (607) 274-3177
Open: Monday-Friday 8am-8pm AND Saturday 10am-6pm
Services for IC Students:
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GYN and other exams
Pregnancy testing
STI/HIV testing
Prescription birth control
Emergency Contraception Pills
HPV Vaccine
Center for Health Promotion
Lower Level, Hammond Health Center
www.ithaca.edu/sacl/healthpromotion/
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
 Free Condoms and dental dams
 Free Lubricants
 Free Health information and brochures
 Information about other sexuality-related resources on campus
Be Sexually Healthy!
Sexual Health: 101
Services in the
Ithaca Community
Planned Parenthood
314 W. State Street
(607) 273-1513
www.plannedparenthood.org/ppsfl
Free or sliding scale services include:
STI/HIV testing
 Annual exams
 Birth control counseling and supplies
 Abortion services
Emergency contraception– Plan B (morning after pill)
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The Southern Tier AIDS Program
501 South Meadow Street
(607) 272-4098
www.stapinc.org
Free services and supplies include:
HIV Rapid Test
Condoms and safer sex supplies
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