Heath Initiatives Monthly Newsletter

It is a good feeling to know that Spring Break is coming right around the corner.  While a few of us will be home, mostly others will be away from home and school, having a great time with friends.  One important thing that all college students must know is to have a safe spring break.  I'm talking about your sexual health. So...

Don’t Be Stupid… And Use Condoms:

When condoms are used properly, they are about 95% effective in the prevention of pregnancy. When condoms are used with spermicidal foam, their effectiveness rate is nearly 100%.  When using a condom, you check for holes and review the expiry date. [Note: never carry a condom in a hot, confined place such as your wallet. Always ensure they are kept out of direct sunlight.]

• Never use a condom more than once.
• Always use a latex condom for effective prevention of STDs.
• Lubricated condoms offer more protection from breakage and spillage of semen.
• Always use water-based lubricants. (We recommend Astroglide)
• You can double up condoms during vigorous sex. Use an unlubricated condom on the bottom, and a lubricated one on the top.
• Unlubricated condoms are best for oral sex.

Know about STD's (Sexually Transmitted Dieseases):

• STDs are infections that can be spread by having sex with another person who is infected. Most STDs are curable. Some are not. If you have sex with someone who has an STD, you can get it too. Many people who have an STD don't know it. They may look healthy, but they still could have a STD. Some people won't tell you, even if they know.
• Every year 3 million teens--about 1 in 4 sexually active teens-get a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).
• Chlamydia is more common among teens than among older men and women.
• Teens have higher rates of gonorrhea than do sexually active men and women aged 20-44.
• Some studies show that up to 15% of sexually active teenage women are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV), many with the type of HPV that is linked to cervical cancer.

And Test Yourself and/or your Partner for STD's:

Even if you or your partner have not had any sexual contact with other people it is still important that you get tested before beginning any sexual contact with others. STDs can affect you for the rest of your life. They can affect your future fertility and your very existence: some of them are fatal. Several of them cannot be cured. Getting tested is important.

For More Information:

• www.sexhealth.org
• http://www.iwannaknow.org/ 
• http://www.scarleteen.com/infection/testing_3.html
• http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health/