{"id":20727,"date":"2023-06-28T13:35:45","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T18:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/?p=20727"},"modified":"2023-09-28T13:52:36","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:52:36","slug":"safe-sex-tips-for-college-students","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/safe-sex-tips-for-college-students\/","title":{"rendered":"Safe Sex Tips for College Students"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a young person entering college, there are several experiences you may have \u2014 including love and sex. Young people aged 15 to 24 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lanchi\/article\/PIIS2352-4642(22)00128-6\/fulltext\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">account for over half of the nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that occur each year in the U.S., meaning it\u2019s extra important for this population to be aware of safe sex and reproductive health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can have seriously long-lasting consequences, outside of unwanted pregnancy or social stigma. More than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/nchhstp\/newsroom\/docs\/factsheets\/stds-women.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20,000 women become infertile each year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a result of undiagnosed and untreated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, some sexually transmitted diseases can\u2019t be cured \u2014 even if they can be managed by medication to undetectable levels. This can hold implications for many aspects of your life, including your ability to donate blood, donate an organ to a family member or carry an organ donor card. Don\u2019t let one sloppy, or uninformed decision shape the rest of your future. Being informed and making smart choices when it comes to sex and reproductive health might be simpler than you think.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most common STIs and STDs<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there is a non-zero chance for you to contract any kind of STD when you have unprotected sex with someone, according to the CDC, chlamydia and gonorrhea are reported at the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/stdconference\/2016\/highlights\/adol.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">highest rates among people ages 15 to 24<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Other common cases on college campuses include human papillomavirus (HPV), and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/you-tested-positive-for-herpes-now-what\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">genital herpes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but most people with genital herpes <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/herpes\/stats.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">don\u2019t know they have this highly contagious infection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several STDs and STIs that can present with misdiagnosed flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all, making them easier to transmit. Here are some warning signs that you might be experiencing STI or STD-related symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms appeared only after you\u2019ve slept with a new partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You experience painful urination.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You notice unusual genital discharge.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sores or ulcers appear on, or around, the genital area, including the upper thighs or lower back.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have constantly itchy skin on or around your pubic area.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You experience frequent urination or the feeling of needing to urinate often.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Different STDs or STIs can have different symptoms, with differing severity, on different timelines. It\u2019s important to get routinely checked for infections and diseases if you are sexually active. Any <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/urgent-care\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">urgent care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or sexual health clinic such as Planned Parenthood can offer you a sexual health screening. Some testing procedures will require a blood draw, while others will only need a swab, or urine test. Comprehensive screenings may require a combination.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STI and STD prevention<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many ways that you can prevent STI and STD contraction, and practice prevention if you have an active infection or virus. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, any one of these options may work better for you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Abstinence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abstinence is abstaining from or not having sex at all. While this is the arguably safest option when trying to prevent STIs and STDs, it\u2019s certainly not the only option. Abstinence may be the best option for you if you\u2019re actively in the contagious period, or if it fits into your spiritual or personal preferences. It\u2019s important to note that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/can-you-get-stis-without-having-sex\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">you can still get an STI without having penetrative sex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Many STIs are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which could include hands, mouths and other areas vulnerable to germs and viruses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Partner testing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another way you can practice STI and STD prevention is partner testing. Either getting tandem testing appointments or sharing test results before you engage in intercourse is a great way to ensure the person you\u2019re about to sleep with doesn\u2019t have any active infections.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Condoms<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condoms are one of the most popular ways to prevent STI and STD spreading, as well as unplanned pregnancies. Condoms work best when engaging in penetrative intercourse. For those with a latex allergy, several companies <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindbodygreen.com\/articles\/non-latex-condoms\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">offer alternatives<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You can often get condoms for free from sexual health clinics or student health services, or pick them up from any pharmacy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Dams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dental dams go in front of the mouth before you engage in oral intercourse. A dental dam is a long, flexible piece of latex, or material alternative, that prevents skin-to-skin contact, but still allows for sensation and maneuverability. Dental dams may be more common at specific sexual health clinics, as they are slightly less well-known than traditional condoms.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are only some of the ways that you can prevent the spread of STIs and STDs. The biggest takeaway when it comes to the prevention of these infections is to reduce direct skin-to-skin contact and fluid exchange. Skin-to-skin contact is how bacteria or viruses are exchanged.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ prevention<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+ safe sex and STI and STD prevention should be treated differently than non-LGBTQ+ prevention, as the risks are different. UCLA reports that people who are LGBTQ+ are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu\/press\/ncvs-lgbt-violence-press-release\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more likely to experience sexual violence<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, while the CDC finds that instances of HIV and syphilis are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/life-stages-populations\/stdfact-msm.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">higher among people who engage in unprotected anal sex<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. There are several things that you can do as a member of the LGBTQ+ community to decrease your chances of transmitting or contracting an STI or STD. These include: <\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Wear a condom or use a dental dam<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condoms and dental dams are especially important for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are at higher risk for STIs and STDs because of various types of sexual activity.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Take PrEP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hiv\/basics\/prep\/about-prep.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a medicine that you can take to reduce your likelihood of contracting HIV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. PrEP isn\u2019t for everyone, and it\u2019s important to note that it is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/learn\/stds-hiv-safer-sex\/hiv-aids\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not a treatment for individuals who are already HIV positive<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. PrEP is suited for people who engage in sexual activities that put them at higher risk for HIV, such as unprotected anal sex.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Communicate your status with your partner<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Communication is the first step in ending stigmas, and preventing the spread of viruses. You should never engage in intercourse with someone you don\u2019t feel safe having these conversations with. There are ways of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/media\/releases\/2022\/p0412-STD-Increase.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">talking about your HIV status<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a partner that can reduce your feelings of anxiety or shame.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Get vaccinated<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Vaccines against viruses <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/hpv\/parents\/vaccine-for-hpv.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">like HPV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help protect you from contracting the virus, which can lead to several types of cancer. Other vaccines, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amjmed.com\/article\/S0002-9343(05)00616-9\/fulltext\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including Hepatitis A and B<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, are also particularly important for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are at higher risk of contracting all three of these illnesses through sexual activity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Find LGBTQ+-friendly clinics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting tested can feel invasive and uncomfortable, even if you\u2019re not part of the LGBTQ+ community. For more sensitive populations, finding <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/best-practices-lgbtq-urgent-care\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LGBTQ+-friendly urgent care<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a huge part of removing barriers to vaccine access, STI and STD testing, and medications like PrEP.<\/span><b><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Since STDs and STIs are more prevalent among the LGBTQ+ community, individuals who are gay, bisexual, trans and gender non-conforming are more likely to come into contact with an infected partner. You can talk to a primary care provider about solutions like PrEP, if you believe that\u2019s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing safer dating<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up to 90% of sexual violence on college campuses is committed by someone the victim knows, and more than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thegomezfirm.com\/blog\/known-sexual-abuser-percent\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">half of these instances involve a date<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Instances of sexual abuse can also contribute to the spread of STIs, STDs and mental illness. To avoid this, practice safer dating tips. These include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tell people your plans, and stick to them.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid heavy drinking or heavy drug use on first dates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your personal information private until you can trust a potential partner.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep to well-lit, public areas for first dates.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understand <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/budgetbranders.com\/blog\/the-angel-shot\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cues you can use to tell staff or authorities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that you\u2019re in danger.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communicate active STI or STD statuses up front.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These tips can help keep you safe when exploring new freedoms and dating preferences at college.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practicing safe sex during COVID-19<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coronavirus (COVID-19) <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/assets\/doh\/downloads\/pdf\/imm\/covid-sex-guidance.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">presents new health risks during in-person sexual activities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with others, especially those outside of your household, where you may not know their vaccination status or social distancing practice. Condoms, vaccinations and open communication with partners are all crucially important not just in the prevention of STIs and STDs, but in the prevention of COVID-19 as well. If you have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/symptoms-testing\/symptoms.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">COVID-19 symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, get tested, and practice social distancing or isolation until the symptoms clear.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Types of reproductive health treatments<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several reproductive health treatments available to you as a young adult. According to popular medical advice, people with vaginas should be getting <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/cancer\/cervical\/basic_info\/screening.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a Pap smear every three years from ages 21 to 29<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, in order to screen for cervical cancers and other anomalies. Reproductive health treatments can help you detect cancers, prevent unwanted pregnancies, and keep other risks to your reproductive health low.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth control<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth control is designed to help control pregnancy, but can also provide hormonal support depending on your needs. There are three main types of birth control:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>The pill<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The pill is a daily contraceptive that works through hormone release. For the birth control pill to be effective, you will need to take it around the same time every day. The pill may be the most accessible option, as it\u2019s the most widely known. It is also the least invasive, and least painful. However, it is only daily coverage, and missing one day of your birth control pill can result in unwanted side effects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>The shot<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/contraceptive-injections-906874\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birth control shots<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include a regular hormone injection. There are three main types of shots: Depo-Provera, Sayana Press and Noristerat, which all utilize progesterone as their main active ingredient. The shot is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and regulate hormones over the span of a few months, rather than a few years. You will have to schedule your injections, and keep up with them on the recommended schedule, usually around every three months. The most common side effects of the birth control shot are weight gain and period irregularities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Implants<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Implants include intra-uterine devices (IUDs) and arm implants like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nexplanon.com\/what-is-nexplanon\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NEXPLANON<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Different types of implants work in different ways, but they are all designed to be long-term solutions that work for several years. Getting an implant might be a painful procedure, depending on the sedation practices at your clinic. Implants can also cause cramps and period irregularities for a number of months. However, they are the best, low-maintenance, long-term option.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because of the Affordable Care Act, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/learn\/birth-control\/birth-control-pill\/how-do-i-get-birth-control-pills\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">birth control must be covered by insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at no cost to you. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that all brands, methods or removals will be covered at the same level. Reach out to your insurance provider for more specific details.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccinations<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned, currently you can get vaccinated against three viruses that can be transmitted through sexual activity. They include:<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Human Papillomavirus (HPV)\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis A<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hepatitis B<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are no age limits to getting these vaccines, and the related risks are minimal. Once you turn 18, you have authorization to get any vaccine you, and a medical provider, deem necessary and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Currently, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ashasexualhealth.org\/vaccines\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vaccines underway for both herpes simplex virus (HSV) and HIV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but they are not yet available to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abortion<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, abortion is the only course of action in saving a pregnant person\u2019s life. These cases include <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.focusonthefamily.com\/pro-life\/ectopic-pregnancy-and-abortion\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ectopic pregnancies<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, cases when <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/iugr.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">fetuses stop developing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and others. Due to the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.american.edu\/cas\/news\/roe-v-wade-overturned-what-it-means-whats-next.cfm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">rollback of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many states now have different rules and restrictions on abortion access, even in medically necessary cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure that you\u2019re familiar with your state\u2019s laws, as they could have serious consequences. For example, Texas has programs under which friends or family who <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.abortionfinder.org\/abortion-guides-by-state\/abortion-in-texas\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">assist someone with accessing an abortion can be criminally tried<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Traveling out of state for an abortion as a Texas resident is also illegal under these programs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FDA-approved medications that aid abortions and miscarriage management, like Mifepristone, are also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-attack-on-abortion-care-the-mifepristone-abortion-pill\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">under fire by the Supreme Court<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This medication can only be dispensed by a physician\u2019s prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency contraception<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Emergency contraception, often colloquially referred to as Plan B, is another option for preventing unwanted pregnancies. These pills delay the release of the egg, which can prevent pregnancies. Plan B is a great option for emergencies, and while there is no limit on how many a person can safely take, they are costly \u2014 up to $50 per pill \u2014 can only be purchased one at a time, and it doesn\u2019t offer coverage as complete as other types of birth control.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, emergency contraceptive pills that use levonorgestrel, like Plan B One-Step and My Way, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.plannedparenthood.org\/blog\/whats-the-weight-limit-for-plan-b\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">won\u2019t work as effectively if you weigh over 165 pounds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Alternatives, like Ella, won\u2019t work as well if you weigh over 195 pounds. Birth control methods including the pill, shots and implants don\u2019t have this issue.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reproductive health specialists<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reproductive health specialists, such as obstetricians, gynecologists and even endocrinologists are all medical professionals that can provide specialist reproductive care. For example, an endocrinologist can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/how-to-talk-about-your-transgender-status-with-your-doctor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help assist individuals who are transgender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/what-to-expect-at-a-gynecologist-checkup\/'\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a gynecologist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can perform routine Pap smears, and assist with STI or STD treatment and diagnosis. If you have specific concerns, or want to talk to someone with more training, then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/why-dont-men-have-their-own-specialists\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seeking out a specialist <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">may be the right call.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to specialized care, it\u2019s important to be aware of what services and procedures are covered by your insurance, so you aren\u2019t surprised by medical charges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">University student wellness center resources<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many schools have safe sex and reproductive health items and services availability, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Condoms and dental dams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lubricant<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">STD and STI screenings\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pregnancy tests<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pap smears<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HPV and hepatitis vaccinations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you don\u2019t have private or government insurance, oftentimes university health centers will have special insurance plans for students that you can opt into. This may help lower the barrier to treatment and preventative care on college campuses. You may also be eligible for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/young-adults\/college-students\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">certain government healthcare plans as a college student<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additional resources<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find additional educational resources for sexual and reproductive health below:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/std\/\"><b>CDC National STD Hotline<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention STD hotline toll-free at 1-800-232-4636 for support in finding care.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"http:\/\/chlamydiacoalition.org\/\"><b>National Chlamydia Coalition<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This organization was formed to address the high burden of chlamydia in adolescents and young adults by promoting equal access to comprehensive and quality health services.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatesforyouth.org\/\"><b>Advocates for Youth<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Advocates for Youth works worldwide to fight for sexual health, rights and justice. They have a multitude of resources around sexual and reproductive health for young people.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lgbtqiahealtheducation.org\/resources\/in\/reproductive-health\/\"><b>National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center\u2019s educational page offers resources for sexual and reproductive health specific to LGBTQIA+ individuals. These resources are often more inclusive, and written for individuals in these communities to understand and feel welcome.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Any of these resources can help educate you on sexual health issues. Maintaining a positive relationship with sexual health is crucial to staying happy and healthy. Many organizations are working to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allure.com\/story\/preventing-stigma-stis\"><span>fight against the stigmas of STDs and STIs<\/span><\/a><span>, which can prevent people from talking about them or seeking treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newfound freedom as a college student can be overwhelming and intoxicating \u2014 just don\u2019t let it be the reason you put your health at risk. The prevention, and treatment, of STDs and STIs is a fairly easy process if you take a proactive approach.<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Need a doctor? Find one on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/\">Zocdoc<\/a>.<\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As a young person entering college, there are several experiences you may have \u2014 including love and sex. Young people aged 15 to 24 account for over half of the nearly 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur each year in the U.S., meaning it\u2019s extra important for this population to be aware of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":20728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[227],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20727","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Safe Sex Tips for College Students - Guides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"College students are at some of the highest risk for certain STIs and STDs. 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