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Did you know?
- Today, most teens are still virgins at 15
- 7 out of 10 teens aren't using contraception when they get pregnant
- Almost half of pregnant teens got that way within six months of losing their virginity
Sexual Health
Are you sex ready?
This flowchart offers a simple way to see if you are ready to deal with all of the complexities of a sexual relationship. For example, for male/female partnerships, have you thought what would happen if your birth control failed? Whether you are in a same sex or opposite sex relationship, are you using protection against sexually transmitted infections?
| Do you want to have intercourse with your partner now? | ||||
| YES | NO | |||
| Is pregnancy a possibility? | Do you still wish to have physical intimacy? | |||
| YES | NO | YES | NO | |
| For those for whom unintended pregnancy could result from unprotected sex, using some form of birth control is necessary if you wish to prevent a new bundle of joy. [more...] | Even if pregnancy isn't a concern or possibility (i.e., if you are involved with someone of the same sex or if you are infertile), you still need to think about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections. [more...] | For a variety of reasons, you may be choosing not to have sexual relations. However, many couples still choose to have physical intimacy without actually having sex. [more...] | The obvious choice for you is total abstinence. [more...] | |
If pregnancy IS a possibility:
For those for whom unintended pregnancy could result from unprotected sex, using some form of birth control is necessary if you wish to prevent a new bundle of joy. On our contraceptives page we go much more in depth and lists the pros and cons of each birth control method, plus how much they'll cost you.
If you wish to have children there are several methods of conception that will increase your chance of becoming pregnant.
The most obvious answer is to wait until the right time of the month when the female is most fertile. If you have regular 28-day periods, you will probably ovulate about 14 days after the first day of your period. Sperm can live for a few days and the egg can live for about a day, so most experts suggest that you try every other day or every day from about 5 or 6 days before you expect to ovulate, up through the day of ovulation or the next day. However, every woman's cycle is different and you can learn more about your own by tracking it. Check out the book, "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" or another book that outlines the Fertility Awareness process.
Other big factors in conception are environmental and behavioral factors.
If you want to learn more about every possible factor that influences fertility (e.g., did you know that the level of the woman's enjoyment during sex increases the likelihood of conception), you can visit an incredibly large fertility FAQ on FertileThoughts.com. For a fantastic website detailing the birthing process, visit http://parenting.ivillage.com.
Yet other options exist for couples who still wish to have children. There are many children in the United States and around the world who are waiting to have loving parents. The US State Department has a website detailing the complexities and sources of help in international adoptions. Another source called adoption.com is a meeting ground for people seriously looking to adopt.
If pregnancy IS NOT a possibility:
Even if pregnancy isn't a concern or possibility, you still need to think about protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections. Some contraceptives (condoms, diaphragm, foams, jellies, etc.) offer some protection against HIV, however, none of these methods are foolproof. The best defense is to know how to use each form of protection correctly.
For those for whom unintended pregnancy could result from unprotected sex, using some form of birth control is necessary. On our contraceptives page we go much more in depth and lists the pros and cons of each birth control method, plus how much they'll cost you.
As always Student Health Services provides condoms free in waiting rooms and exam rooms. If you need "bulk" quantities, we sell condoms at low cost. Additionally, birth control pills or other contraceptives can also be purchased at a low cost. To obtain the pills, we require a copy of your most recent pap smear results. If you need a pap smear, you may schedule one with an SHS physician or physician assistant by calling 335-8394. After the examination a prescription will be issued and you can then purchase the pills.
To schedule an appointment call 319.335.8394.
If you DO wish to have physical intimacy:
For a variety of reasons, you may be choosing not to have sexual relations. However, many couples still choose to have physical intimacy without actually having sex.
This is a much safer way of sharing feelings of physical intimacy without many of the problems associated with sex. However, risks still do exist with physical intimacy.
The main risk is that it's often hard to stop physical intimacy progressing into having sex. As sexual arousal increases, it becomes more difficult to maintain your limits.
Also, risks still exist for sexually transmitted infections from skin to skin contact if there is a break in one partner's skin and the other is infected with HPV or Herpes.
If you DO NOT wish to have physical intimacy:
The obvious choice for you is total abstinence.
This is definitely the easiest choice as you don't have to worry about two problems that sexually active people must think about: birth control and sexually transmitted infections.
Page updated: 3/27/08
