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Contraception

Students are notorious for being sexually promiscuous – whether it’s true or not, there is certainly as much, if not more of a risk of contracting an STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) or falling pregnant with an unwanted baby. Sex is a way of life in today’s society and it is no longer simply about procreation but is becoming more and more accepted as something that is simply fun to do. Unfortunately, this is a means of fun that comes with great risks. If you choose to have sex without using contraception, then you may find the rest of your university life a complete misery. More serious than this, you may find the rest of your entire life a misery. There is a way to avoid unwanted pregnancies and STIs and all it takes is a little common sense and usually, simply a reach into your top drawer. Below are a few methods of contraception that you may like to consider:

• Condoms – You can more than likely get some free condoms from your student’s union or student’s health service. Take advantage of this, as there is no shame in having a stash of these in your top drawer or in your wallet. Condoms are not guaranteed to be 100% effective but are a very common way of preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Condoms are quick and easy to put on and are very light to carry around. Go to Avert to find out more about condoms and which type is right for you.

• The Pill – This method of contraception is very popular with women worldwide and can be very effective in preventing pregnancy. However, the pill does not prevent STIs and therefore you should only consider using it if you are sure that yourself and your sexual partner do not have any STIs. To determine this you can visit a sexual health clinic and get tested. You should always talk to your GP before starting any course of pills. To find out more about the contraceptive pill, visit the NetDoctor.

• The Diaphragm – This method has become less popular since the introduction of the pill but is still used by a large amount of women. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped thin rubber. It works by being inserted into the vagina before sex, which prevent sperm from passing. Your doctor or family planning nurse must prescribe diaphragms after assessing the size and shape of your vagina. Your nurse or doctor will also teach you how to insert the diaphragm properly, ensuring it is as effective as it can be.

Of course the best way not to experience an unwanted pregnancy or any STIs is simply not to have sex. However, if you are going to have sex then there is probably not a lot anyone can say to stop you. So, if you are going to do it then you should do it safely. No one thinks they will get pregnant or contract an STI until the day it happens – by then it could be too late for regrets!

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be a wonderful thing as long as both people involved are ready and happy about the news. Unfortunately, many women fall pregnant everyday that didn’t expect the news and are not happy about it. These women include students who may have simply had a one night stand and then regret the consequences afterwards. Even if you have been careful – by using a condom – things can go wrong. Condoms split, people forget to take pills and sometimes the booze can make things seem less important. So, what do you do if you think you may be pregnant? Below are a few snippets of information in such an event:

• So, it’s the morning after, you’ve got a hangover and there is someone in your bed lying next to you. You look around for evidence of some kind of contraception you may have used but you see nothing. Oh dear. If you think you may be pregnant you can take a pregnancy test. These can be bought over the counter fro any pharmacist and tend to be very reliable. If you don’t believe the results first time round, you can also take another one or go and see your doctor for a second opinion.

• The morning after pill can in fact be taken up to 72 hours after having sex. However, it will be most effective when taken up to 24 hours after sex. It is not always 100% effective but has very low failure rates when taken in time. This is not something you can rely on as contraception as you will need to go to your GP or local pharmacy to get it. You will probably be asked a few questions before you are given it such as “did you use contraception?”

• Abortion or termination is an option that should only be considered after considering everything else. Abortion is not to be taken lightly and can be a very stressful experience both mentally and physically. In the UK, abortion is legal up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy. However, to get an abortion, two doctors must agree to the operation. The doctors will have to consider many reasons why the abortion is needed or not such as whether or not having the baby will risk the woman’s mental or physical health, the health of other family members or if the baby may arrive seriously handicapped.

If you become unexpectedly pregnant then it can feel like a lonely experience. However, it doesn’t need to be. Try not to keep all of your feelings inside – there are plenty of people you can talk to. Try telling a friend that you trust or talking to the potential farther of the baby. Most universities will have an on-campus councillor and health nurse who will be happy to talk you through your options. Speaking with family may seem daunting and scary but it may make you feel a lot less alone and will provide you with some support. For more information about pregnancy and childbirth, visit NHS Direct.

Sexual Assault and Rape

Rape Crisis defines rape as “…an act of violence and domination and anger. It uses sexual acts including penetration as a weapon.” They describe sexual assault as “…an act of physical, psychological and emotional violation, in the form of a sexual act, which is inflicted on someone without consent.”

Unfortunately, rape and sexual assault does happen. When we think of the term ‘rape’ we tend to think of only women being the victims. However, this is not always the case and men too can become a victim of rape and sexual assault.

If it happens, what do I do?

• Go somewhere immediately where you feel safe and you trust the surroundings – your home, a friend’s house, a classroom etc. Tell a friend or someone you trust what has happened to you. You might feel that you don’t want to tell anyone but having someone there to support you and make you feel safe will help. If you really don’t want to tell anyone you know just yet then try your nearest Rape Crisis centre; you can find them here.

• It is very important that you seek medical attention as soon as you can. If you have physical injuries then you will need to get these attended to. You should also get tested for STIs and even HIV (the HIV test will have to be done 3 months after the assault). You should also take a pregnancy test.

• It will probably be the last thing on your mind if you have been assaulted but it is important to report the crime to the police. The police take rape extremely seriously and will do all they can to catch the attacker – if the attacker is not caught then they could commit the crime again. If you have been assaulted then you may begin to doubt your experience and even start to blame yourself. If you have been assaulted then it isn’t your fault! For Women’s legal advice visit Rights of Women.

• Many rape or sexual assault victims do their best to bury the problem deep inside and try and forget about it. This may seem like the right thing to do at the time but talking about your ordeal will help you move on and get back to your old self. Try talking to friends and family or an independent counsellor so you can begin to work through the mix of emotions you will be experiencing.

Useful Links

Family Planning Association – Their purpose is to enable people in the UK to make informed choices about sex and to enjoy sexual health.

NHS Walk-in Centres – Find your nearest walk-in centre.

Rape Crisis - This website aims to provide the basic information that survivors of sexual violence, friends and family need to access the services they need.

Rape Crisis Scotland – Rape crisis in Scotland.

Net Doctor – All of the health advice you will need.

Survivors – Help and support for victims of male rape.

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