As humans we are biologically predisposed to sex, whether it’s for purposes of procreation or just for fun. Either way, it happens, and the most important thing that any college student can do for themselves is to make sure they are aware of everything there is to know about sex in college. That being said, here are 10 things absolutely all college students need to know about sex.
Did I mention consent? One of the most important aspects that college students need to know about sex in college is consent. If there is no consent between you and your partner, there is no sex. However, unfortunately many times people break that rule and end up finding themselves in a situation they shouldn’t be in. If you do not give consent to have sex with someone, or have not received consent to have sex with someone, and you or they still proceed to engage in the act, that is considered to be rape. To avoid this, always make sure that you keep an open level of communication and honesty about what you want and don’t want.
Yes, he’s hot. Yes, he seems interested in you. But if you’re intoxicated, you cannot give logical consent to sex. Alcohol is strongly related to risky sexual behaviors that can prevent you from making the right choices. Always have protection with you, like condoms, and bring a friend with you anywhere you might be where you’re worried that you might make a decision you will regret in the future.
In case you weren’t aware, one thing that all college students need to know about sex is that 26% percent of young adults have an STI that they don’t even know about. Having an STI does not mean you’re “dirty” and people often don’t show any symptoms when they do have one. Whenever you visit your doctor, whether it’s your primary care or gynecologist, you have every right to ask to be tested for any STI or STD that you want to be checked for. Your doctor will do some quick testing and have the results back to you in a few days so you can be at peace knowing everything is okay.
Make sure you always know where the health center is located on campus and learn what services it offers. Many health centers offer free or inexpensive birth control and STI/STD screenings. Most offer Plan B and pregnancy testing for free, just in case.
Before you begin having any type of sexual relationship with someone, you should make your best effort to start some kind of birth control. There are plenty of different options, and your gynecologist or the doctors in the health center have no problem talking to you about your different options, especially if you don’t feel comfortable discussing birth control with your family doctor. Planned parenthood is also a great resource. They can discuss all kinds of medical services with you and provide you with different options for your health care needs.
One things that many college students don’t know, but need to know about sex, is HPV. The Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Studies have shown that almost all sexually active people will contract a form of HPV at some point in their lives. HPV can cause cancer for both men and women. However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, thanks to the HPV vaccine and Pap tests that your gynecologist will perform. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, and you’re under 26, it’s not too late. My mom made me get the shot series when I was younger and I can’t thank her enough for making sure that she did.
And it’s totally OK to leave college a virgin too. You decide whether or not you want to have sex, no one else. You also don’t need to explain yourself to anyone or answer to anyone else but yourself.
If you honestly think someone won’t like you just because you don’t want to have sex with them, then maybe it’s time to move on and drop them – you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
LISTEN UP COLLEGE STUDENTS, this is something you definitely need to know about sex: Your roommate doesn’t want to hear you having sex. At all. Honestly, it’s just gross. Communicate with your roommate if you plan on having someone over so they can either choose not to be around, or you can arrange other locations to do the deed.
Don’t EVER feel that you have to rush into having sex if you’re not ready to yet. Take your time, figure out what and who you like, and make sure you’re not willing to just jump into it because you’re trying to get it over with.
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