Are you in control of your sexual health?
Thinking about ‘sexual health’ can be confronting for many people, especially when you consider that contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or dealing with an unplanned pregnancy is a seriously big deal.
But while the physical stuff is a large part of what makes looking after your sexual health so important, it also covers feeling good about who you’re attracted to and the decisions you make about your sexual activity.
Take charge of your sexual health
If you’re uncomfortable discussing your sexual health, don’t worry – you’re not alone! It’s definitely a topic that’s easier to put aside and never really think about. But regardless of gender or sexuality, sexual health is something we all need to factor in to our everyday lives.
Did you know that you can have a free and confidential sexual health check on campus at a Deakin Medical Centre?
You can find out more information about contraception, get screened and treated for an STI, and access pregnancy counselling, support and referrals. You’ll be in a relaxed, judgement-free space where you can ask questions and get the peace of mind and confidence that comes from learning about your body.
Sexual health is just another part of your overall wellbeing, and your doctor or nurse will show sensitivity and understanding throughout the whole process. So go on! Book an appointment online today.
Know the facts
While sex is a very personal experience, there are some facts that everyone should be aware of and understand:
- Consent means giving ‘your free agreement’ to sex. You can withdraw your consent to sex at any time. If any sexual act is performed without your consent, it is a criminal offence and punishable by law.
- Safe sex is about protecting yourself and your sexual partner/s against abuse, STIs and unplanned pregnancy. There’s a variety of ways to practise safe sex, but the best way is to use a condom EVERY TIME you have sex.
- Consuming alcohol and drugs puts you at greater risk of unprotected or unwanted sexual contact.
- Sexual contact that doesn’t involve the exchange of semen, vaginal fluids or blood between partners is considered to be safe sex. It also means feeling physically safe and comfortable with your current partner/s. You should feel completely happy with your decision to have sex – don’t engage in any sexual activity if you feel pressured.
- Unsafe sex can put you or your partner at risk of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV or hepatitis B. Caused by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses or parasites, STIs are passed from one person to another during unprotected sexual or close genital-to-genital contact.
- STIs can infect the back of the throat, penis, vagina/vulva, cervix (womb), anus and genital skin. Sometimes you might see symptoms, like a rash, but often STIs can be present without any noticeable signs.
- Unsafe sex can also result in an unplanned pregnancy.
You’re not alone
Help and support is available if you need it, both at Deakin and in the general community:
- Access a range of sexual health and relationships resources, from information about particular STIs to termination support.
- Free condoms are available from DUSA’s Student Survival Centre or an on-campus Deakin Medical Centre.
- Need to talk to someone? Make a free appointment with a qualified Deakin counsellor or visit Ask Counselling, our online counselling service for students with personal questions about psychological and emotional issues.
- Safer Community is the central point of contact for reports of sexual harm. Our staff are trained in responding to and supporting anyone who has experienced sexual harm, either on- or off-campus.
- Discover how Deakin’s Sexual Harm Prevention program is working to build a strong culture of safety, mutual respect and inclusion.
- ReachOut.com is a fantastic website for advice on sex and relationships.
- Sexual Health information sheets in English and other languages are available from the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.