an opened condom on top of shiny red paper

Wellbeing

Let's talk about sex, baby...

By UALHalls 21 Mar 2018

Despite all the rumors that go around about everyone having sex ALL the time at university and especially Freshers' Week, this is not true.

What you do or don't do is entirely up to you and you should definitely not feel pressured into anything - your body, your life!

However, with your new found freedom and student lifestyle, sex isn't something you can ignore. Regardless of the situation, whether it's in a relationship or just for one night, it's worth keeping this in mind...

Keeping your sexual health in check...

You may be picky but STIs aren’t, you never know who may have one.

It’s useful to know that tests for the most common infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea simply involve a urine sample or cotton wool swab. Quick, easy and pain-free. What's more, you can order these tests for free and have them posted to you to complete at home with Sexual Health London.

Even if you are symptom-free it is still worth getting tested regularly and it cannot be easier to do so than this!

And if you need to test for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV and Syphilis, that can be completed at the GUM clinic in your local hospital. These are tested by taking a simple blood test or saliva sample.

And don't forget to practice safe sex. Condoms, birth control, and contraception are very important when you are sexually active or plan to be. Make sure to consult your GP about these, to make sure you are using/taking the right thing for you.

If you would like to speak to someone confidentially about any of the issues raised in this article, you can email them at studenthealth@arts.ac.uk. If you would like any information or advice about sexual health, you can also contact the UAL Health Advice Service, which is free to all UAL students. 