If You're Gonna...
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Physical intimacy can be wonderful experience if the circumstances are right. To make each intimate experience the best it can be requires careful planning, thought and responsibility. We hope this information and samples are one step in helping you be responsible for protecting yourself and your partner(s).
Why We Care
National statistics show an alarmingly high number of college students may have been exposed to an infection transmitted sexually (STI). Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV (genital warts), herpes, hepatitis B or C, and HIV/AIDS. At present, there is no cure for HIV, and we are particularly concerned about its devastating effects.
The Rutgers University Health Services wants to help reduce the spread of STIs in the Rutgers community. We usually have 4500 STI visits to the student health centers each year.
STI Risk
We know that sexual expression is a personal decision. Many students choose not to engage in sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral sex). They are at the lowest risk for STIs. However, national statistics report that among students aged 20, 75% of females and 86% of males are sexually active and are potentially exposing themselves and their partner(s) to infection.
For anyone choosing to engage in sexual intercourse, using condoms and/or plastic wrap/dental dams and spermicides is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of spreading STIs and protect yourself and your partner(s). This information and the sample condoms and spermicides enclosed represent the best public health and disease prevention message we can offer at this time.
Risky Behaviors to Avoid
- unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- unprotected oral-anal contact (rimming)
- using alcohol or any other drug which can affect your judgment
80% of women and 20% of men do not show any symptoms of STI. Even if a sexual partner doesn't look sick or show any signs of an infection, you still may be at risk for an STI.
What You Can Do
Take care of yourself and your partner. Being aware, responsible, and using latex condoms with spermicide can help protect you against STIs. Latex condoms offer this protection; animal-skin condoms may not. During oral sex with a woman or anal-oral contact, use a square latex barrier (dental dam or strong, non-microwaveable plastic wrap) to reduce STI risk. Recent reports also show that using plastic wrap or a dental dam for genital-oral sex and rimming can help reduce the risk of STIs.
Things to Do
- Buy latex, reservoir (nipple) end, lubricated condoms. They're available in many colors, textures, and sizes.
- Buy dental dams or strong plastic wrap.
- Buy lubricant: it should contain nonoxynol-9, a chemical barrier (spermicide) against sexually transmitted infections.
- Store condoms and dental dams/plastic wrap in a cool dry place.
- Carry condoms and/or plastic wrap/dental dams with you at all times.
Condoms - How To's
- Use a condom during every act of intercourse and never reuse it.
- If the condom is sticky, brittle, or looks damaged, don't use it.
- Check the expiration date.
- Remove rolled condom from package.
- Leave extra space at the tip of condom to catch ejaculate if the condom does not have a receptacle tip; squeeze the air out.
- Roll condom down penis as soon as erection occurs.
- After ejaculation, hold on to the rim of the condom, and withdraw the penis while still hard.
- Don't tug to pull off condom - it may tear.
- Don't allow semen to come in contact with a skin break or open wound.
- Dispose of the condom in the trash can - not a toilet.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place.
Lubricants
- Always use a water-soluble lubricant with your condom.
- Good choices are KY Jelly, or spermicidal lubricants, like nonoxynol-9.
- Other lubricant choices are Vaginal Contraception Film (VCF), or contraceptive foam, cream or jelly.
Oil-based lubricants are not safe (i.e., oils, hand and body lotions and moisturizers); these can weaken latex.
We Care about You and Your Health
Where to Buy
Latex condoms are available in the Rutgers Student Health Services pharmacies for $2.95/12. You can also buy condoms at almost any drugstore, pharmacy, bookstore, or campus centers or look for condom vending machines in your residence hall or other campus buildings.
Lubricants and spermicides are available in the Rutgers Student Health Services pharmacies. Prices vary. They are also available at drug stores and pharmacies.
Dental dams are more difficult to find. They are currently available in speciality stores. Some people substitute a name-brand, non-microwaveable plastic wrap or an unlubricated condom cut open.
Remember, postponing sexual intercourse greatly reduces your risk for STIs. When you decide to have sex, take care of yourself and your partner.
A Public Health Message from the Student Health Services