G-Spot: Back to the basics
As much as I would love to jump back into the G-Spot kink series, with the start of the 2023-2024 school year, many of us need a refresher on sexual health and safety dos and don'ts.
When it comes to sexual health and safety, there are three main components: testing, protection, and consent. The key is using a combination of the three. Practicing safe and healthy sex doesn’t just mean using protection such as birth control or condoms and getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) between partners; it is important not only to use protection, but also to get tested regularly because most contraceptives do not completely protect the user from STDs. Having safe and healthy sex also means that you are respectful of your partner’s boundaries, and are asking for consent throughout having intercourse.
But what birth control and protection should you use? There are many options for contraceptives, from condoms, to the pill, to IUDs and Nexplanon implants. There are many factors to consider when picking a form of protection as well. Some questions you should ask yourself include: Are you at risk of getting pregnant? Do you have vaginal or anal sex? If you are someone with the ability to get pregnant, then the best option for you is a combination of birth control, like the pill or an implant, as well as condoms to protect from STDs. Those having anal sex, or do not have the ability to get pregnant, however do not need birth control. For more information about the many types of contraception, check out The Lamron’s article on contraception, birth control, and sexual health as well as our article on emergency contraception.
Where can you get tested for STDs in Geneseo? The Center of Sexual Health and Wellness offers many services for SUNY Geneseo students that include “Birth control services - including IUDs and Nexplanon implants, Emergency contraception (can be effective up to five days after unprotected sex), Pap, pelvic, breast, and testicular exams, Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C screening, with counseling and testing results in 20 to 30 minutes, Sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, Complete referral service, Pregnancy testing, Pregnancy and prenatal services, Natural family planning, Options counseling and referral services, Pre-conception and reproductive life plan information.” For Fall 2023, the Center for Sexual Health and Wellness will be operating out of the South Village Health Center (Onondaga North) two days per week, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays.
When it comes to consent and sex, it is important to remember that communication is key. It is always sexier to ask if your partner is doing alright, if they want to continue, and if moving forward is okay. Remember that anything except an enthusiastic yes, is a no. There are many resources on consent available to students such as the Planned Parenthood page on consent, as well as the Title IX Office.
As always, safe, healthy, and consensual sex is the best sex. Make sure to check out The Lamronwebsite for all installations of the G-Spot column to keep up with future articles.