What you need to know about safe sex and contraceptives
Contraceptives can reduce the chance of obtaining and STD or causing an unwanted pregnancy. The University Health Center offers prescriptions on birth control to students and has free condoms for students’ access.
As a new school year begins, the university advises students to stay educated and aware of its resources regarding sexual health and safety.
The college experience allows students to be exposed to different activities for the first time without parental supervision, which can include sexual activity.
However, not all students are familiar with sexual health and safety. Contraception is a familiar method that students can take part in to protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and infections as well as pregnancies.
“Birth Control is a contraceptive that has various uses, but the most common being to prevent pregnancy and diseases,” said Andrea Peevy, nurse practitioner and University Health Center director. “There are many different types of birth control that women prefer and use, such as oral medication, shots, patches, intrauterine devices, vaginal rings, and implants.”
The health center offers prescriptions on all of these options of birth control with a valid health insurance card.
“Finding the right birth control is not difficult at all,” explains Peevy, “A female student can make an appointment with the health center to discuss what she may feel more comfortable with, and if eventually it’s not the best fit, then we can just try more options from there.”
Many women experience both pros and cons with the various types of birth control.
In addition to preventing pregnancy, birth control can also help regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate acne and balance hormones.
Tara Rossignol, a sophomore athletic training major, shared her experience with birth control.
“I’m on Cryselle, which is a higher hormonal dosage,” shared Rossignol. “My skin has gotten a lot clearer since taking birth control, my periods are lighter and my cramps are basically gone. The only negative is remembering to take the pill every night at the same time.”
Condoms are another form of contraception and can be used for both men and women. The university’s health center offers free condoms.
“Condoms help prevent the use of sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia, AIDS, HIV, Herpes, Gonorrhea, and many more,” stated Peevy. “Not only do we offer condoms, but each semester, the health center holds free STD screening and treatment, typically after Homecoming or Mardi Gras.”
With a new school year beginning and many freshman getting adjusted to a new social atmosphere, it is important to stay educated on sexual health and safety.
Visit the Health Center for questions, advice or resources regarding birth control.
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Gabby Wood is a communication major with a focus in public relations. Outside the office, you can find her trying new coffee shops and endlessly scrolling...
Shannon Deemer • Aug 20, 2019 at 10:26 pm
I am SO happy that college students feel free to talk about what most considered a “sensitive subject”. Gabrielle wrote a wonderfully worded piece here. There’s so much more that can be talked about or written for college, and even high school students, should have the advantage of reading! Sometimes our children get the wrong information or no information at all because they are afraid of asking. This was a wonderful, informative read for a parent of pre-teens! It isn’t always easy to have this conversation with your child. With our childrens’ access to articles such as this, written by a college student, our children will trust and benefit from these facts—thus hopefully opening an open and honest conversation with their parents! I hope to see more like this article! “The more you know…”
Shannon Deemer • Aug 20, 2019 at 10:24 pm
I am SO happy that college students feel free to talk about what most considered a “sensitive subject”. Gabrielle wrote a wonderfully worded piece here. There’s so much more that can be talked about or written for college, and even high school students, should have the advantage of reading! Sometimes our children get the wrong information or no information at all because they are afraid of asking. This was a wonderful, informative read for a parent of pre-teens! It isn’t always easy to have this conversation with your child. With our childrens’ access to articles such as this, written by a college student, our children will trust and benefit from these facts—thus hopefully opening an open and conversation with their parents! I hope to see more like this article! “The more you know…”