When you were in high school, your sexual education curriculum likely didn’t address the importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusiveness in sexual health. A recent report found that only 8.2 percent of LGBTQIA+ students who had received school-based sex education reported that it was LGBTQ+ inclusive. This isn’t unusual, as many sex Ed classes assume their audience is primarily heterosexual and cisgender.
As you navigate college on your own, you might begin to ask a few questions, like “How often should I get STI tested”? or “I identify as a lesbian, can I still contract an STI?” As Sexual Health Awareness Month and back-to-school approaches, sexual educators Taneia Surles, MPH, Tanya Bass, PhD, and Dr. Jay Watts. shared a few tips with Essence Girls-United on how to take care of your sexual health this school year.
Learn About The Common Myths
Many misconceptions about sexual health aren’t accurate and many schools in the U.S. do not mandate sex education, per the Guttmacher Institute. Before accepting these myths as truths, it’s important to take the time to verify information. With the prevalence of social media, myths can easily spread. Taneia Surles, a health writer, editor, and public health professional, shared with Girls United several common misconceptions:
“The pull-out method is great for pregnancy prevention.” – Although this method is 80% effective, it’s unreliable as there’s no guaranteed way to do it correctly every time. Barrier methods like condoms are a better option for preventing pregnancy.
“Oral sex is safe sex.-” In reality, STDs can be transmitted through oral sex as well. Condoms should be used regardless of whether penetrative sex is involved.
“You can’t get pregnant on your period.” – While the chances are lower, it’s still possible because sperm can live in the vagina for up to five days, potentially making contact with an egg when it’s released during ovulation.
“Lesbians can’t get STDs” – Even though the risk of STDs like HIV is lower with non-penetrative sex, lesbians can still contract infections such as bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea if they don’t use protection.
Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, should get tested regularly and use protection to prevent the spread of STDs, said Surles.
Understand & Respect Consent
Clear consent is essential in any relationship. It’s important to educate yourself about what constitutes consent and how to communicate effectively with your partner(s) to ensure mutual agreement and respect.
Although discussing sex can be uncomfortable, it’s crucial for maintaining both you and your partner’s sexual health, Surles told Girls United. “To make these conversations easier, choose a quiet, safe environment where both of you can speak openly and avoid blame or judgment.” “ This dialogue should be positive and can help strengthen your sexual relationship. If your partner is unwilling to disclose their sexual history or get tested, you might want to reconsider engaging in sexual activities with them.”
Remember that once you share private photos, they can never be completely retracted and might have future repercussions, Surles mentioned. ”Revenge porn and blackmail are significant issues, with individuals sometimes being targeted by exes or strangers. Before sending any intimate content, carefully consider the potential risks of it falling into the wrong hands.” For more guidance on digital privacy, Dr. Watts recommends checking out the Vagina Privacy Network at Vagina Privacy Network.
Know When To Get Tested For STIs
All sexually active people are at a risk of contracting an STI. If you’ve had sexual contact with another person which includes swapping body fluids like saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions then you are at risk.
Most of the time, you are not able to tell if you have an STI just by looking at yourself and some STI’s have no symptoms. If you happen to suspect that your partner has an STI but you know that they do not want to get tested, Bass recommends getting tested to find out for yourself which will help your mental health.
The CDC recommends that sexually active gay or bisexual men should be tested for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea at least once a year.
It’s very important to stay on top of your sexual hygiene. If you need additional support, Visit your campus clinic or your general practitioner to talk, ask questions and get tested for STIs. Your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment options if you test positive for anything.
Seek Out Campus Resources For Mental Health And Support
Sexual relationships can impact your mental health, whether you found out you have been cheated on or panicking that you may have contracted an STI.
If your mental health supports your happiness attainment, your mental health supports your pleasure attainment and decision-making skills, Watts told Girls United. “When we don’t prioritize our mental health and wellbeing, we hinder our ability to recognize when our boundaries are being breached, ability to advocate for our own needs, and prioritize our own pleasure journey.”
Watts also wants students to remember to listen to their bodies. “If something feels off, listen to it. If something feels great and it is consensual, safe, and informed, learn more about that sensation. This could even mean the pleasure of walking alone in a park or jamming out to great music. If your body is craving that stimuli, don’t neglect it! Ask questions!”
Remember, Your mental health is important, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of the counseling center or LGBTQIA+ campus organizations that provide a safe space.
About the Author: Tamieka Welsh is a NYC based health, wellness and lifestyle writer. Her work has been featured in P.S. (formerly PopSugar), MindBodyGreen and more. When she is not writing, you can find her exploring different coffee shops in Brooklyn.