Sexual Wellness

For many people, sex is an important aspect of life. In any type of relationship, intimate or not, it’s important to openly and honestly communicate with everyone involved. Speak with a certified sexuality educator about improving your knowledge and skills across a wide range of topics including, but not limited to:

• Sexual and reproductive anatomy and physiology
• Family planning, contraception, and pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Gender identity and roles
• Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues
• Sexual function and dysfunction
• Sexual pleasure
• Sexual development across the lifespan
• Sexuality across cultures

The first sign of pregnancy is usually a missed period. A simple urine test can help you figure out whether or not you’re pregnant. You can pick up a pregnancy test in our pharmacy for a low price.

If you are pregnant, the Student Health Center can help you get the medical care you need. And our health and wellness educators can help you cope with an unexpected pregnancy.

STIs are transmitted through intimate contact with a partner’s genital area, including the labia, vagina, penis, scrotum, and anal region. Symptoms tend to appear first in the genital area, though you can also get STIs in your mouth or throat after engaging in oral sex. Some STIs don’t show any symptoms at all.

When to get checked

If you experience any unusual discharge, lump, pain, or discomfort in the breasts, vagina, vulva, penis, or testicles, you should see a medical professional as soon as possible. If you infect a partner, both of you can be treated at the Student Health Center whether or not they are an IU Bloomington student.

If you are diagnosed with an STI, follow all treatment directions—including taking your entire prescription even after your symptoms are gone. You should also avoid sexual contact until your treatment is complete.

Eazy Peezy: Drop-off STI testing

The Student Health Center is offering a pilot program where IUB students (who have no symptoms) can be screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea without making an appointment with a health care provider. This program only provides urine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Collect your samples in the privacy and comfort of your home.

Lower your risk of getting STIs

The only 100 percent effective way to avoid STIs is by abstaining from all sexual activity. But there are some things you can do to reduce your risk:

• Have only one partner, whose only partner is you (mutual monogamy).
• Use condoms, even if you’re using another form of birth control.
• Get vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B.
• Visually inspect your partner’s genitals for changes in texture, lumps, color, odor, or discharge. If you notice a change, avoid sexual contact until they’ve been checked out by a medical professional.
• Communicate with your partner(s). Make sure you know each other’s sexual history before you get intimate.

Be aware that spermicides can actually increase your risk of infection, because they can irritate the vagina.