You can get an STI from having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Living on a college campus can put you at greater risk for certain STI’s such as chlamydia, HIV and HPV which are on the rise. It is important to take precautions before having sex in order to avoid STI’s. STI’s can be very harmful to your health.

HPV can cause some major health problems like cervical cancer. Most types of HPV can be prevented with a vaccine. This vaccine is offered to both men and women at our local health department, Robeson County Department of Health.

Get Yourself Tested

It is a good idea to consider getting yourself tested for STI’s especially if you have engaged in unprotected sex. Some STI’s are curable so detecting it early can prevent other health issues. Many STI’s are treatable so knowing you have one can help prevent other health issues. You also do not want to spread STI’s so get tested so you can make sound sexual health decisions.

90% of UNCP students think STI’s are a problem on campus but only 10% of students take advantage of the free HIV test.

Students be tested free during certain times throughout each semester at Student Health Services. Other times your insurance will be billed.

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)

The forms of birth control listed above are great for preventing unwanted pregnancies, but many forms of birth control do not protect from STI’s. If you want to avoid getting an STI you should use a condom. Condoms provide a physical barrier that prevents liquids and diseases from passing through the condom.

For the condom to be effective it needs to be used properly and be used every time you have sex. We offer both male (external) and female (internal) condoms for free at our office.

Tips for effective use of a male (external) condom:

• Should be used for vaginal, anal, and oral sex
• Use proper lubrication to prevent condom from breakage
• Place at tip of erected penis, rolled side out
• Hold tip of condom while rolling to base of penis and pinch a ½ inch to collect semen if no reservoir is located for semen collection.
• While holding tip of condom roll to base of erect penis
• Always handle to not let semen escape by holding rim of condom and gently pulling off before losing erection
• Wrap and throw away condoms

Male (external) and female (internal) condoms can be obtained at Health services for free! 

Lubricant is also available for free as well! If you enter health services main doors go to the right. Next to the window there is a basket with condoms. Reach inside and grab what you need! Must ask for Lubricant, dental dams and female condoms.

Safe Oral Sex

STI’s can be transmitted orally as well. Use Dental dams when engaging in oral sex on a vagina or anus. Dental dams are thin pieces of square latex that can be placed on the vulva or the anus when the mouth or tongue is used to sexually arouse a partner. Dental dams are usually flavored as well.

*Dental dams can be obtained at health services for free.

Plan Ahead

As college students it can be difficult to plan ahead but you will want to be ready if you are going to have sex. It does not hurt to have some condoms with you if you are going to a party or going on a date with someone special. Whether you have sex or not you will at least be prepared and prevent an unwanted pregnancy or STI.

Where to get condoms

• Health Services. It is all free.
• Grocery stores or convenience stores sell condoms