Jan. 11, 2024 by The Post

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Students and sex: the numbers 69.2% of college students have a sexual relationship On average, students have 5 sexual partners throughout college 15% of college students report “never” using a condom 20.8% of college students report having unprotected sex while drinking One in four college students have an STI

Information gathered from Washington & Lee University and the Women’s Health Initiative

Ohio University students and staff walk through Heritage Hall in Athens, Sept. 1, 2022. (DYLAN TOWNSEND | FOR THE POST)

OU to add new sexual health clinic MADALYN BLAIR NEWS EDITOR Although there are not many on-campus sexual health resources for students, there is a new clinic coming to OU that will specifically treat students’ sexual health and wellness needs. The Heritage Community Clinic, located at 16 W. Green Drive, and Equitas Health – a nonprofit health care system – are partnering to create an on-campus sexual health and wellness clinic. The new clinic is a free-of-charge health care option with services including STI testing and treatment, HIV testing, HPV vaccinations, insurance enrollment, contraceptives and safer sex supplies, PrEP treatment to prevent someone from getting HIV and navigation and pregnancy testing.

Not only will the clinic offer treatment, but it will also provide patients with sexual health and wellness education tools. However, there is currently no date for when the clinic will open. Until the sexual health and wellness clinic opens, OhioHealth Campus Care, located at 2 Health Center Drive, is currently the only on-campus resource for students needing an STI test.

@MADALYNTBLAIR MB682120@OHIO.EDU

COVER ILLUSTRATION BY EMMA MCADAMS | ASST. ART DIRECTOR

2 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

Women’s Affairs Commission debuts another round of Safer Sacks EMILY STOKES FOR THE POST The Women’s Affairs Commission of the Student Senate tabled outside Baker University Center on Dec. 7, 2023, to pass out the highly anticipated Safer Sacks to Ohio University students. The sacks were packaged in tote bags with a vinyl design and included personal safety alarms, pregnancy tests, nightcaps, condoms, lube and a safety resources guide. Women’s Affairs Commissioner Kennedy Huntsman said the Commission also received additional resources – including flyers and handouts – from the Survivor Advocacy program and Phone a Friend group, which were added on the day of passing out the sacks. Despite the colder temperatures, the Commission’s members were bundled up and engaging with students to share their Safer Sacks. The engagement started out slow, despite some students passing by the table on their way through Baker; however, between class periods, many students passed by and picked up a sack or inquired about the displayed information. Huntsman said last year, the Commission made 100 sacks and ran out in about an hour. Given students’ eagerness, she said they prepared more sacks, about 200, for this year’s tabling. The 200 sacks ran out in about an hour and a half, which was much faster than the Commission expected, Huntsman said. She said her Commission spent over 6 hours assembling sacks and using a Cricut machine to design the tote bags. “They’re definitely labors of love, that's for sure,” Huntsman said. She spoke on the feedback from students passing by the tabling efforts. “We had really positive feedback today,” Huntsman said. “We’re definitely trying to increase the amount that we’re going to be giving to students and the frequency at which we’re going to do it.” In November, there was a debate within the Senate about whether lube should be in-

cluded in the Safer Sacks due to accessibility for religious students and concerns over how “racy” the sacks would appear. Ultimately, the Commission decided to include lube within the sacks despite some initial unsettlement of adding it. “We gave people the option to take out anything they weren't comfortable with and not force it onto anyone,” Huntsman said. “That was the opinion that we received.” Chandler Castle, a senior studying integrated social studies, said she happened to walk by Baker and see the stacks on display. She said she thinks the sacks are a great resource for students on campus. “I think especially for kids who are out and about for the first time, these resources are great,” she said. “We want kids to have the best opportunities that they can, and this is definitely a part of that.” Amberly Cawein, a freshman studying biological sciences pre-professional, said she also stumbled upon the sacks by walking past the tabling event but values how the Commission handed out these resources. Maeve Mckeown, a freshman studying environmental science, thought the items in the sacks were good and stressed the importance of having them. “I think it’s really important,” she said. “People need to learn this so that they have safe sex because people aren’t going to not have it.” Savannah Almer, a freshman studying psychology, said she didn’t know much about the event but still participated by picking up a sack. She said she thought the idea of the sacks was a good idea. The Safer Sacks had another successful event, and students were pleased to see them back on campus. The Women’s Affairs Commission said it is planning to bring them back in the spring for its Women’s Festival, set to take place on OU’s campus March 8.

@EMTHEGEMMY ES542222@OHIO.EDU

Student Senate President, Megan Handle, applauds as the first speaker of the night steps up to the podium during the Student Senate meeting in Walter Hall at Ohio University, Athens, Nov. 8, 2023. (TALITHA MALOY | FOR THE POST)

Visit OHIO’s LGBT Center

An educational and wellness resource for all. Friends, student groups, games, crafts, free clothing, snacks, consultation, books, and more!

Open Mon. - Fri. 8am-5pm and by appointment

Email: lgbt@ohio.edu Call: (740) 593-0239 Baker Center 348

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Uptown Clinic on Court Street provides a vast array of chronic and preventative health care services, including physicals, drug testing, pregnancy testing, women’s health and more. (ALAINA DACKERMANN | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY)

HOURS Friday: 8 am - Noon

Monday-Thursday: 8 am - 4:30 pm

Services include primary care and treatment of minor injuries and illnesses including:

Local, campus sexual health resources: the basics

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DONOVAN HUNT ASST. NEWS EDITOR

» Common Skin Disorders

» Preventative Health Services

Ohio University advertises its local and national sexual health resources on its website. There, students can find places to get pregnancy tests, STI tests and resources for abortions. OhioHealth Campus Care, located in Hudson Health Center at 2 Health Center Drive, provides STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes and genital warts. Students can get tested by visiting Campus Care with their student I.D. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during winter, spring and summer breaks. Caroline Kingori, associate dean for faculty affairs, said the Office of Health Promotion offers HIV testing once or twice a year and offers educational materials. HIV testing can also be found at the Athens Health Center, a division of Planned Parenthood, located at 1005 E. State St. The Health Center also provides contraceptives, emergency contraceptives, counseling, abortion referrals and pregnancy tests. The university’s website also lists Portsmouth City Health Department Care and Prevention as another place people in the area can access HIV testing. Abortions are not provided in Athens, and anyone seeking one will have to travel to Columbus to find the nearest provider, according to AbortionFinder. OU’s website lists resources available for students. The care falls under pregnancy care in Title IX, so time off from class to travel to receive an abortion may be a reasonable accommodation. Campus Care also provides contraceptives and free condoms can be found at the LGBT Center located in Baker University Center. Contact information for these resources can be found on the next page. For a topic-specific breakdown of local resources, visit page 16 of this edition. For expanded resources throughout Southeast Ohio, visit page 10 of this edition.

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Scan the QR Code to see a provider virtually 740-589-7752 www.holzer.org/uptown 5 N. Court Street • Athens, Ohio

4 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

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Is it harassment or assault? KATIE MILLARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

wo-thirds of college students experiences sexual harassment and 26% of female and 6.8% of male college students experience sexual assault during their college experience, according to the American Association of University Women. With such high numbers, there are also high levels of confusion regarding where the lines are drawn. Students tend to downplay certain forms of harassment and assault as parts of life. However, sexual assault and harassment are serious offenses that can leave lasting effects on survivors. The difference: Assault generally involves nonconsensual touching of some form, whereas harassment refers to unwanted sexual or lewd comments, gestures, actions or slurs. Assault and harassment can and do happen to people of all genders and sexualities. The graph to the right details some common offenses and their categorizations.

Offense

Harassment

Assault

Someone verbally requests sexual favors Someone shows you something explicitly sexual nonconsensually Someone repeatedly asks you out Someone repeatedly makes sexual jokes about you Someone grabs you without consent You are subjected to forced or coerced oral sexual acts You are subjected to forced or coerced sexual touching Someone has sex with you without your consent Someone touches you nonconsensually

Consequences: In the state of Ohio, both assault and harassment can be illegal. Sexual harassment is illegal as a form of discrimination, and both are illegal under the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 (VAWA), the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE Act) and the Clery Act, according to Ohio University’s website. Both also go against OU’s Student Code of Conduct.

The other person was drunk and touched you

Seeking help: If you experience something that makes you uncomfortable, there are a number of opportunities for support. Students are encouraged to reach out to the options below.

Someone coerces you to have sex

The other person was drunk and touched you and does not remember You were drunk and someone else touched you You were too intoxicated to consent Someone touches you but as a “joke”

You experience unwanted sexual contact from someone you are in a relationship with

How to contact help Counseling and Psychological Services: counseling.services@ohio.edu 740-593-1616 OU’s confidential counseling service is open to all Athens campus students. Drop in hours are from 9:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., Monday through Friday on the third floor of Hudson Health Center. Survivor Advocacy Program: survivor.advocacy@ohio.edu 740-597-SAFE(7233) - 24/7 hotline The Survivor Advocacy Program provides confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Campus Care: 740-593-1660 Located on the first floor of Hudson Health Center, Campus Care will assist students with referrals, resources and transportation to O’Bleness Hospital for SAFE exams, as Campus Care does not perform rape kits. This resource will also provide STD treatment and testing, HIV testing and emergency contraceptives.

Ohio University Police Department police@ohio.edu 740-593-1911 OUPD investigates sexual misconduct allegations on campus and can assist survivors in getting resources and support.

Athens County Victims Assistance 740-592-3208 This local resource, located on the first floor of the Athens County Courthouse, 1 S. Court St., connects survivors with advocates who can answer questions and provide support regarding the legal justice process.

Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility communitystandards@ohio.edu 740-593-2629 Community standards – along with the Office of Civil Rights Compliance ((740) 593 9140, equity@ohio.edu) –investigate allegations of sexual misconduct and determine a resolution to cases brought to these resources.

Athens Police Department 740-592-3313 In the event of an emergency, call 911 Located at 11 N. College St., survivors who contact Athens police will be connected with a crisis intervention officer. The Violence Against Women Unit will be able to assist survivors and connect them with confidential services and support.

LGBT Center lgbt@ohio.edu 740-593-0239 The LGBT Center helps connect survivors with campus and local LGBTQIA+ resources that will affirm and assist students.

RAINN National Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673) Survivors can receive support, legal guidance and local resources by calling or chatting one-on-one online at online. rainn.org.

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 5

OU allows students to study sex

EMMA MCADAMS | ASST. ART DIRECTOR

GABRIELLE CABANES FOR THE POST Although the idea of sex and the philosophy behind sexual intercourse can sometimes be a taboo subject for people of all ages in society, Ohio University has made it a mission to include various classes — across majors — that discuss sex and how it is portrayed in society. While some classes focus on subjects that could be considered a little bit more lighthearted, such as the philosophy of love and sex and how these intertwine, other classes choose to take a much more serious approach to sex, talking about sexual violence as well as the importance of consent. All classes, however, hold the common goal of educating students on the topic of sex and attempting to clear up common misconceptions using scholarly articles and research-based discussions. Amy White, an associate professor of philosophy, teaches the course “Philosophy of Love and Sex.” White says the basis of the class includes understanding both love and sex and how they intertwine. She said a big 6 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

part of the course is first defining sex and then looking at different situations and the morality of sex in those situations. She also said a lot of the course is based on understanding different genders and how gender and sex work together as well as consent and what is considered to be consent and what is not. She said her role as the instructor is to let students lead discussions and come to their own conclusions without feeling judged. “My role is to play devil’s advocate to whatever is put before me, never revealing my own positions,” White said. “Although, if anyone looks me up, they probably have some idea, but I never reveal that in my class. I always challenge the students to make their own arguments and that's kind of what the class looks like.” White said one of the most important things about teaching the course is teaching students about misconceptions they may have heard and providing the correct information. She said although this generation is a lot more educated on the subject than generations prior, there are still many misconceptions.

“There are still things that students are completely misinformed about and if they don't get it from looking at careful research and authors on the subject, they get it from something like TikTok,” she said. “I love TikTok as much as anyone else. I am guilty of going down that rabbit hole and then suddenly two hours are gone, but so much is wrong. I want students to go out and be informed and be able to articulate.” Cassandra McFadden, a junior studying sociology and political science, said she took a class about violence against women with Holly Ningard, an associate professor of instruction in sociology. “We talked a lot about intimate partner violence broadly, but then a lot of it was dealing with sexual violence,” she said. “We talked about consent and all of the confusion that people sometimes have surrounding it. We also talked about the importance of recognizing sex isn’t just penis and vagina, especially surrounding sexual assault.” McFadden said she really enjoyed the course despite its complexity and discussion of what could sometimes be uncomfortable subjects. She said the class welcomed dis-

cussion, which made it a lot easier to navigate. “Dr. Holly Ningard created a fantastic environment for talking about it,” she said. “It was a very heavy class and sometimes things got uncomfortable but it was very open and welcoming. I would highly recommend — the professor, the class, all of it.” McFadden said she believed it was very important for students to take classes surrounding sex due to the amount of misinformation and confusion she has seen students go through when it comes to the subject. “You hear about sex from different perspectives, in general, but especially with the class that I took learning about the importance of consent and the many different ways that sexual assault and sex, more broadly, can look is so important,” she said. “(It’s important) to understand what it is and use that … to be better.”

@GABRIELLECAB1 GC183621@OHIO.EDU

Athens High School in The Plains, Ohio, Oct. 30, 2023. (ZOE CRANFILL | FOR THE POST)

Athens nurse seeks to change sexual education KAELA RICKET FOR THE POST Health education, and sexual health education, in particular, are important parts of high school education. Students entering their formative teenage years are often discovering their identities and looking for guidance about their bodies and sexual health. According to Sex Education Collaborative, Ohio schools are required to provide sexual health instruction about HIV and STIs through “venereal disease education.” According to Sex for Social Change, 95.3% of Ohio secondary schools teach students about the benefits of being sexually abstinent. Additionally, there is no required curriculum about other factors surrounding sexual education, such as race, class and sexuality. Molly Wales, a nurse for the Athens City School District, discussed the varying sexual health programs Ohio schools have. “You’re not giving the kids any information,” she said. “It’s all fear-based and shame-based. It’s a matter of a few bullet points. It gives (students) no practical information for how to make healthy choices at all.” To combat this, Wales has made an effort to supplement this mandatory program with her own optional sexual health course that offers inclusive and comprehensive sexual health education. The course is called “Sexual Health in Real Life,” or SHIRL, and is an innovative solution to help prevent misinformation. The optional course allows students to participate in peer-led discussions about sexual health and then use that education to spread their growing knowledge. “Participants become really educated with inclusive sex education, and so then they are sort of, by nature, peer educators for their friends,” Wales said. “I think it’s really helpful that the kids themselves will be our sources of medically accurate and conclusive information.” Additionally, high school students also help to educate the younger population in the school system.

“Students go into eighth grade and teach four days of sex ed at the end of eighth grade, so that these eighth graders are coming into high school having been educated by the SHIRL, and in those four days, those eighth graders are getting a really comprehensive, inclusive education,” Wales said. Essie Cornett, an Athens High School student, discussed why sexual health is an important aspect of high school education. “High schoolers don’t really know what they are doing, not all families talk about sexual health, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t making sexual decisions,” said Cornett. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over half of U.S. teens have had sexual intercourse by 18. In some cases, school health education is the only education on sexual health that a teenager may receive. Although high school students may not be receiving comprehensive sexual education, they could still be making sexual health choices, but less informed choices. Cornett is a member of Sexual Health in Real Life and provided a student perspective on why inclusive conversations around sexual health are important to the high school. “This is my third year with that program, and the program is different from the sexual education everyone else in the high school is receiving,” she said. “We have much more in-depth conversations … and we have more time together for these conversations.” Wales said she has seen a lot of benefits from the program, including feeling more secure about her students’ knowledge of sexual health. “I really come to trust my students as intellectual sexual health educators, so I trust them to go out in the world and represent what we’re learning, whereas in a standard classroom, I don’t know what they’re taking away from it,” she said.

@KAELARICKET KR509420@OHIO.EDU THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 7

OU aims to offer inclusive sexual education resources for LGBTQIA+ students SOPHIA ROOKSBERRY FOR THE POST The first iterations of sexual education were introduced to high schools in the 1920s, according to an article by the National Sex Ed Conference. Approximately a century later, sex education has advanced significantly, but many feel it is lacking in inclusivity. In an effort to encourage the much-needed nationwide increase of inclusive sexual education, as well as educating students right in Athens, Ohio University provides many LGBTQIA+ sexual health resources. Sarah Doherty is the Assistant Director of the LGBT Center at OU, “a university department that provides resources, education, cultural programming, educational programming, physical space, physical resources, information, referrals and consultation,” according to Doherty. “(The LGBT Center makes) sure that people who come to Ohio University get what they need out of their experience and have an opportunity to be affirmed in their identities, whatever they are, to explore what it means to be a part of a community of scholars, of humans,” said Doherty. Along with resources, the LGBT Center also aims to diversify university-wide conversations about sexual health and education. While the Center doesn’t offer a direct sex education curriculum, it offers resources from educational books to connections with Equitas Health, a regional health care system with specific resources for LGBTQIA+ patients. “We’re making sure that we don’t let the folks who usually get marginalized in more mainstream conversations about sex, sexuality and gender (get) left out of the conversation,” said Doherty. This statement encapsulates the whole spectrum of sexuality and gender, including cisgender or heterosexual students who may be questioning their identities and looking for support, or asexual and aromantic students who may have never been included in a conversation about sex before. “If we’re talking about sex and sexuality, the default assumption is not that everyone is having one kind of sex or that everyone is straight or that everyone is monosexual or that everyone is going to be monogamous,” said Doherty. “We’re conversant with histories of kink community and the interplay between kink community and LGBT history … there’s a lot of kinds of conversations that we can try to help put people into.” In addition to her responsibilities within the LGBT Center, Doherty has also been involved with many community events surrounding sexual wellness and education for 8 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

EMMA MCADAMS | ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR

LGBTQIA+ students. One of these events was a facilitated conversation led by Aspec — an umbrella term for anyone who identifies on the asexual and/or aromantic spectrum — group organizers. “What I heard from a number of people afterward was that it was a conversation that folks hadn’t felt like they could have before, so it was a new space for exploration and for thinking about their own lives and how they were navigating sex, sexuality, intimacy and thinking about consent in a broad way,” Doherty said. These important and influential conversations are just the beginning of ways the LGBT Center hopes to educate the student population on the inner workings of all different kinds of sex. “Typically … in schools, if you aren’t getting abstinence only, (sex education) tends to be focused on preventing diseases … but not necessarily on pleasure or possibility or exploration or play,” said Doherty. The LGBT Center hopes to encourage those concepts by welcoming those conversations and by providing things like condoms, dental dams and lubricant in their office. The Ohio University Student Health Center has also made efforts to be inclusive in its conversations surrounding sexual health and contraception. Jane Balbo is an assistant professor of Family Medicine in the OU Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as a family physician at the OU Student Health Center. Part of Balbo’s job is to train medical students through a weeklong contraceptive counseling course over the summer. Students who complete the course have the opportunity to apply for a position as a contraception counselor for students at OU. Part of this training is to reduce the gendered language used in discussions of sexual health. “(We recognize) that people with different gender identities might be able to make eggs or might be able to make sperm or might have menstrual periods,” said Balbo. “We teach it in a way that is inclusive … so we say ‘a person with a uterus, a person who makes sperm, a person with ovaries, etc.’” In addition to practicing inclusive language, students also participate in role-play scenarios where their hypothetical patients range in gender identity and sexual orientation. Balbo said these scenarios have allowed students to feel more prepared when entering the field of contraceptive counseling, and it results in a more positive and welcoming experience for patients. The training course

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also includes lessons on different goals of contraception. “We teach our medical students with the perspective that people have a variety of goals when they’re choosing contraception, and that it may not be that one of their goals is preventing pregnancy,” Balbo said. Esme Miranda is a junior studying political science and women’s, gender and sexuality studies, and is a student employee of the LGBT Center. “As a staff member for the LGBT Center, I feel like we do a good job of trying to promote safe sex and we try to offer as many resources as possible … and then if we don’t have anything or people are looking for other things, the LGBT Center tries to point them in a direction of whatever they need,” said Miranda. Miranda said the Center’s partnership with the Office of Health Promotion is an important aspect of its facilitation of inclusive conversations. On the Office’s website, a statement reads: “We focus on empowering all Bobcats to take care of themselves, providing education from their peers that is inclusive, and utilizing evidence-based practices to better understand trauma.” The declaration is affirmed by the Office’s continued partnership with the LGBT Center, including a Sexual Health Resource Fair that was held in April 2023. Miranda said they would like to see more specific courses at OU that relate to sexuality and sexual wellness and for them to cover LGBTQIA+ sex, female pleasure, and how to pleasure people with disabilities, or those who have different genitalia.

Edwin Flores-McDowell, a sophomore studying civil engineering, is also an employee of the LGBT Center. While Flores-McDowell said the Center offers valuable resources, they don’t see much information elsewhere on campus. “There’s anti-bullying and anti-hazing stuff … I haven’t necessarily seen as much as a student about safe sex or how to do stuff safely,” Flores-McDowell said. Flores-McDowell hopes to see an increase in sexual education materials around campus, as well as some more specific training as an employee. While in the LGBT Center, they have been present for discussions surrounding sex, and they hope to receive more training on how to help moderate conversations of that nature. “Specifically, what to say and where exactly to point out stuff, but it’s nice that 90% of the time, Micah or Sarah, the director and assistant director, are in the Center, so if somebody were to come in, I could just go and ask them,” said Flores-McDowell. Despite having worked in many schools in varying states, Doherty believes OU offers more information about sex education for students of all identities than many other schools in the country, which she credits in part to community involvement. “It seems like the (strength of) rural organizing and education is happening here, which seems great,” she said.

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Sexual health resources in HANNAH CAMPBELL PROJECTS EDITOR Health care can be tricky to navigate for anyone, especially college students. Sexual health care can be even more difficult for both students and residents in the area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young people ages 15-24 account for 10 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that occur each year in the U.S. These young adults account for about half of the cases nationally. With so many cases yearly, there is a stigma surrounding STIs and lack of accessibility for testing them. The National Library of Medicine reports that young adults, specifically college-aged students, do not seek STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing due to confidentiality, potential costs and overall embarrassment. Here is your guide on STI and HIV testing centers in the Athens and Southeast Ohio area.

Resources on OU Campus OHIOHEALTH CAMPUS CARE, located in Hudson Hall, provides STI testing. The center provides testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, trichomoniasis and genital warts. • All OU undergraduate, graduate and medical students who are enrolled for one or more credit hours are eligible for services. • Students do not have to be enrolled in the University Student Health Insurance to use services. • Out-of-pocket costs are all billed to the student’s account: • Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: $20 • Trichomoniasis: $34 • Syphilis: $14 • Hepatitis B: $99

10 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

Resources in Athens ATHENS HEALTH CENTER, a division of Planned Parenthood, is located at 1005 East State St. Suite W. The Center offers HIV testing and diagnosis only and other STD testing, treatment and vaccines. Testing and treatment include chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis and trichomoniasis. • STD/STI prevention includes the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9). • Most private insurance plans are accepted, • and cover STI/HIV screenings with no copay. • If one does not have insurance or Medicaid, costs vary per test and individual plans. EQUITAS HEALTH INSTITUTE is a nonprofit community health care system and one of the largest LGBTQIA+ and HIV/AIDS-serving organizations. Located at 8 W. Stimson Ave., Equitas Athens serves the following counties: Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Gallia, Guernsey, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Perry, Pike, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington. • The center in Athens offers free HIV testing • by appointment request. • An additional center for low or no-cost HIV testing is located 1615 Chillicothe St. in • Portsmouth, Ohio.

Southeast Ohio Resources Fairfield County

THE PREGNANCY DECISION HEALTH CENTER, 1590 E. Main St., in Lancaster, also offers STI testing. There are additional locations in Columbus. Testing and pricing vary by location.

Athens, Southeast Ohio FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES OF EAST CENTRAL OHIO, 450 S. State St., offers testing for Hepatitis C, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes and chlamydia. Insurance and Medicaid are both accepted. • Rapid and conventional HIV tests are also offered at no cost.

Gallia County

GALLIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 499 Jackson Pike, offers confidential STI testing and all forms of birth control. This includes oral contraceptives, IUDs and vaginal rings. • Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C tests are free of charge. Other STI testing costs start at $10.

Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 200 E. Main Street, offers STI, Hepatitis C and HIV testing. Prices vary per testing.

Columbus Resources AHC WELLNESS CENTER offers free STD and HIV testing at 1230 North High St. No appointment is necessary for testing. • No health insurance or Medicaid is necessary. EQUITAS HEALTH INSTITUTE has an additional location at 750 E. Long St. PLANNED PARENTHOOD also has additional locations at the North Columbus Health Center, 18 E. 17th Ave., and the Franklinton Health Center, 1511 W. Broad St.

MAP BY ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

@HANNAHCMPBELL HC895819@OHIO.EDU

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 11

Politicians must stop falling victim to contraception myths

Jackson McCoy Right-wing politicians are increasingly relying on culture-war rhetoric to be elected. We have seen a rise in book bans, anti-LGBTQIA+ laws and strong efforts to curtail diversity, equity and inclusion programs in everyday life. One of the most broadly impactful issues is the continuing effort to ban contraceptives. These campaigns, often targeting IUDs and emergency contraceptive pills, disproportionately affect women; rarely are con-

These attacks rely on casting contraception as abortifacients, which are drugs that cause an abortion. Not only is this incorrect, it further emphasizes the point that people with uteruses do not have a right to bodily autonomy or medical decision-making. Plan B is not an abortifacient at all but is a type of contraception that is often incorrectly conflated with abortion. When you consider this crucial point of misunderstanding by conservative lawmakark ers in the context of Dobbs v. Jackson WomRiverp en’s Health Organization, the constitutionality of banning abortion is suddenly thrown into chaos. Although the Supreme Court previously decided in the seminal Griswold v. Connecticut that married people had the right to obtain contraceptives, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his concurring Dobbs Bromley Hall opinion about his openness to revisiting it. Additionally, the Dobbs decision heavily relied on the idea of “potential life” and how abortion bans protected it. If a justice on the highest court in America ignores medical facts and falsely decides contraceptives harm “potential life,” then other people certainly will too. A poll run by the Health Policy Research Institute KFF found 73% of people believe emergency contraception can end a pregall Voigt H nancy in its early stages. This is simply incorrect; the drug that can end a pregnancy is RU-486. According to the University of Wr ay Connecticut, Plan B cannot interrupt a pregHo use nancy after it has occurred and won’t harm a Bryan developing fetus. Hall There is also a failure to understand that most Americans believe all forms of contraception should be legal. FiveThirtyEight, a national polling outlet run by ABC, found that approximately 70% of people believe all Sowle Ha forms of contraception should be legal, inll cluding Plan B. Like abortion access, the Su-

doms attacked on a national platform the same way Plan B One-Step is. Laws aimed at banning or heavily restricting access to contraceptives are simply thinly-veiled attempts at controlling the bodies of people with uteruses, continuing generations of oppression and maintaining control over everyone who isn’t a rich donor.

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You can now find the contract on your Housing Self-Service page (ohio.edu/myhousing) to complete!

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House

preme Court and Republican officials ignore the general public when making their policy decisions. Why might this be happening? Why would any elected official ignore the will of the people for their agenda? Because this is what their rich donors want them to do. Republicans increasingly receive huge donations from rich people. Since the era of Ronald Reagan, conservatives have bent to the will of a wealthy few. This trend was only exacerbated by the Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC, which removed the limits on campaign funding from corporations and super PACs. We are now living in an era in which the amount of money spent on a campaign can decide if it succeeds or not. Thus any politicians wishing to get elected — Republicans and Democrats alike — must adhere to their biggest donors, not the general public. Rich people want all the women who can have kids to have them. If a state bans contraceptives, the wealthy will have no issues with accessing them. Similarly, they would have no issues getting an abortion. However, the general public — especially working-class families — will be unable to access contraceptives. Working moms will be forced to continue having children they simply cannot afford, and in turn will work more jobs and spend more money. This boosts the profits of the already rich while furthering wealth inequality. This may seem like a stretch to some, but it is already happening. Income inequality has soared as political campaigns spend billions of dollars on advertisements and press conferences. The government has stalled in all measurable aspects, letting millions slip into poverty and lose access to abortion. More people are working at younger ages, and rich people are paying less in taxes than poor people. Taking away contraception is just another piece of the puzzle that is oppression by the powerful people controlling our elected leaders. We must unite as Americans to remind government officials they are elected to serve us, not their millionaire donors. Jackson McCoy is a freshman studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to share your thoughts? Let Jackson know by emailing or tweeting him at jm049122@ohio.edu or @_ jackson_mccoy_.

Sex and Asexuality: A personal perspective Alesha Davis The first and only time I got the “sex talk” I was 18, dressed in nothing but my underwear and one of those awful hospital gowns. The nurse, whose face I don't remember, ignored my assurances that there was nothing unusual going on with my vagina and put me down for a pap smear. Shivering, massively uncomfortable, almost naked, terrified and terrorized, was the state I was in when I received real sex education. I entered the world of sex outside the crude jokes from boys and men and the half-semester health class I took in seventh grade. For the first time, someone other than my mother would see whatever dark secrets lay up there — would touch me. If the room had any windows, I would’ve flown out of one, keys in hand. Instead, I considered how hard it would be to bust through the bricks Kool-Aid Man-style. Nobody prodded at me that day. My nurse practitioner, Joy, walked in befuddled and told me to put my clothes back on. What she said to me next is something I still remember. “Don’t ever let anyone push you into things before you’re ready. Do that stuff on

your own terms. People are persuasive and persistent, but the only voice you should, and need to listen to, is your own.” I dismissed her then. I believed that being both gay and asexual removed me from the conversation of sex. What use did I have in learning anything about sexual health? My biggest mistake was viewing sex as if it lived in a vacuum. Something easily removable from relationships and skippable in movies. A simple act where, at best, both partners are pleased, and although emotions can make the experience better, they are not necessary to complete the transaction. What I needed to understand is that intercourse is more often far more than the action of having sex. Most important for many is the intimacy involved. My admittedly shallow and dismissive view of sex had affected the way I view intimacy, which then led me to struggle to understand what I wanted out of romantic relationships. It wasn’t until I lived life and learned more about intercourse from others (although, in the beginning, I didn’t listen willingly) that I understood not just the what and the how, but the why. “Why?” Such an important question that I never bothered to ponder because I believed

sex would never, ever have anything to do with me. Now, I think back to my conversation with Joy often. Her advice was not just for sex but for intimacy in all relationships. Thanks to her “sex talk,” I’ve learned to listen to myself. It has saved me in more than one occasion. The thing about knowledge is that it isn't ever applicable only once. Learning how to dance improves the rhythm you use to walk and run; learning a new language makes it easier to acquire others; learning about different people and cultures expands your horizons and enables you to not only better understand others, but also yourself, using concepts and ideas you may have never heard of otherwise. I am usually the first to tout that all knowledge is power, yet I ignored an aspect of life because I believed there was nothing to learn. Sex and things related to sexual health can be a bit of a taboo subject for those in the ace spectrum for several reasons. Perhaps being sex-repulsed includes the discussion of sex at all, making it highly uncomfortable. Maybe it is the awkwardness of having to explain, “Yes, I am ace, yes, I still have sex.” Perhaps you also believe you can skip the sexual health stuff. Being asexual should not

and does not exclude you from the conversation, whether you have sex or not. It is important to understand for health reasons, of course, but the denial of the realness of sex — which may not be in your life but is for others — slams the door on the knowledge that you will never get to apply, no matter how you use it. I am not saying those on the asexuality spectrum need to view sex as important as those who are allosexual — I know it is shoved in our faces enough. Nor do I intend to imply that all ace people ignore or do not have sex. But, if you are like me and have ever tried to ignore the subject, whether out of discomfort or disinterest, I implore you not to look away. It is better to know than to not. Educate yourself even if you think you will never need the knowledge. For health, for wealth, for yourself.

Alesha Davis is a senior studying journalism and English at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. What are your thoughts? Tell Alesha by tweeting her at @AleshaTDavis.

U.S. fails students with abstinence-first sex ed Mackenzie Shuman Many remember the awkward early years of sex education in school. However, very few people can remember being taught much at all about sex and the human body. This is one of the many shortcomings of abstinence-first education. Although abstinence-only education was first introduced in the early ‘80s, it was solidified in the late '90s and early 2000s. In 1996, Congress passed Title V of the Welfare Reform Act, which promised to award states that agreed to teach sex education using the federal government's strict guidelines. Sex education then became, loosely, focused on teaching the idea that premarital sex is the worst act that teenagers could engage in. Abstinence-first education relies on these concepts: sex is only for married couples, the only way to avoid unwanted pregnancies or STDs is to remain abstinent, and only "self-sufficient" individuals should engage in sexual activities. What this form of sex education fails to teach is the emotional and physical bases of sex, where to get contraceptives, how to use contraceptives, the

importance of consent and about a hundred other crucial pieces of information. Abstinence-only education was greatly influenced by the influx of teen pregnancies in the '90s and early 2000s. With all the reality TV shows about teen pregnancy and horror stories of pregnant teens in the news, it was clear that the topic was at the forefront of concerns about teenagers. People thought that by teaching teens to stay abstinent, teenagers would have less sex and would therefore produce fewer pregnancies. However, studies from Planned Parenthood suggest that "most abstinence-only programs are not effective because they fail to delay the onset of intercourse and often provide information that is medically inaccurate and potentially misleading." Of course, teens are not going to listen to adults telling them not to have sex. Most teenagers feel the need to rebel, and when you pair this need with an inclination toward sex, abstinence-only programs quickly become a waste of time. Abstinence-only programs cannot realistically decrease teen pregnancy rates because they often do not teach students

about safe sex and contraceptives. Instead, these programs showcase sex as a risky, negative activity that teens should just avoid altogether. So rather than teens entering their first relationships with knowledge about realistic ways to protect their bodies, they are simply made to feel guilty about their personal sexual decisions. LGBTQIA+ people are unfairly targeted and shamed about sexuality. Because abstinence-only programs are often religiously motivated, there is very little taught about sexual orientation or gender identity. Sex is framed as a heteronormal activity between married men and women. This subconsciously, and consciously, sets a standard in young minds that furthers the stigma against LGBTQIA+ people. Additionally, abstinence-first programs fail to thoroughly teach about consent and/ or sexual assault. This leaves kids feeling confused about their own sexual experiences. When students who have experienced sexual assault are told that having premarital sex is a sin, they are made to feel guilty about decisions they did not even make. Research conducted by the Guttmacher Institute

shows that "abstinence-only programs are completely unprepared to meet the needs of the one in nine girls and one in 53 boys who have experienced sexual abuse or assault by an adult." In an age where kids seem to be growing up faster than ever, sex education programs need to be at the top of their game. The reality is that more kids are becoming sexually active at younger ages, and abstinence-only education is not stopping them. Adults need to stop trying to "protect" teens from useful, and sometimes lifesaving, information about sex and instead be honest about the realities of sexuality.

Kenzie Shuman is a freshman studying Journalism at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk more about it? Let Kenzie know by emailing her at ms667222@ohio.edu or messaging her on Instagram @zieshuman.

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Enthusiastic consent is missing from sex education Haylee Leasure If we want to talk about consent we have to define it. RAINN.org defines consent as “an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity.” Consent should be enthusiastic and between two adults. Consent cannot be given by someone underage, under the influence of drugs or alcohol or asleep or unconscious. The same goes for people who are being intimidated or threatened. Uneven power dynamics also influence the ability to give consent. Consent is about clear and enthusiastic communication between the individuals engaging in sexual activity. When you’re engaging in sexual activity it is important to have these discussions before and during, as it is crucial to make sure that your partner is comfortable with every aspect of the sex you’re about to engage in. This includes what contraceptives are used and what activities are being engaged in. It is also important to note that consent can be revoked at any time during sex, so make sure to be aware of how your partner is feeling and check in regularly. I noticed a severe lack of in-depth discussions about consent when I took health classes, but I now know a “yes” or a “no” an-

swer isn’t the only way to give or withhold consent. A newer mode of understanding consent is called “enthusiastic consent.” According to the University of Sydney, enthusiastic consent is about seeking another's enthusiastic agreement to being intimate, which is more than just giving permission. An important aspect of enthusiastic consent is open and free discussions with your sexual partner about what they want and are comfortable with. Sometimes these conversations can be awkward or uncomfortable but they are essential steps in ensuring your partner is comfortable and excited to engage in sex. Make sure to take note of your partner's body language and choice of words. An example of enthusiastic consent would be your partner saying “yes” consistently and expressing comfort and pleasure. Enthusiastic consent is not uncomfortable body language or using unsure language. If you are given enthusiastic consent, great! However, if you notice your partner is uncomfortable or unsure about the sexual activity you need to check in and stop, so you can ensure they are okay. Revoking consent during sex is okay to do and if your partner

revokes consent stop immediately and check in on them. Getting angry, pressuring them to continue or not stopping at all is not okay and is considered assault. Sometimes conversations on consent can be uncomfortable but they are necessary. Don’t skip the conversations and just assume because you may end up hurting someone. Do your part and continue to practice consent in a meaningful way. Regularly check in

with your partner, never assume and have these conversations. It is an easy step to ensure your safety and the safety of your partner. Haylee Leasure is a sophomore studying journalism. Please note that the opinions expressed in this column do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk about the column? Email Haylee at hl125421@ohio.edu.

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5 products to improve your sexual well-being GRACE KOENNECKE ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR Sexual health products are crucial to maintaining a healthy sex life, and most of them you can find at a drug store near you. Luckily, Athens has many places where you can go to find the products you need, making it easier to access what you need to feel safe and secure. With this in mind, here are five of the best sexual health products to use while on and off campus: The Honey Pot Company sensitive feminine wash For female-identifying individuals, The Honey Pot Company is a great company to buy products from if you need new sexual hygiene soap. Made with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, grapefruit extract and lavender, this product is ideal to use if you’re sensitive to certain soaps. According to its users, 100% of customers agreed the product was non-irritating, while 97% said it left them “feeling clean and confident.” Available at Walmart, you can start with a 5.51 fluid-ounce bottle, which should only be used when taking a shower or bath. You should apply this soap gently with clean hands or a clean washcloth. The Honey Pot product starts at $9.98 and can be found instore or online. Flamingo shave set Shaving plays a major role in your sexual health, especially if you have sensitive skin. Without the proper products, shaving near your genitals can cause irritation, dry skin and infection if you’re not using the right shaving cream or razor. Luckily, Flamingo has an array of shaving sets for men and women to use. In particular, the Flamingo shave set comes with one razor handle, two five-blade cartridges, one foaming shave gel, one daily moisturizing lotion and one shower holder. You can even pick from an array of colors like red, blue, green or purple to personalize your shave set. Flamingo shave sets start at $16, and customers can get free shipping when they spend over $30. hims The brand hims has become popular over time for men who have different sexual health needs, and their website offers affordable and reliable products to try. With free shipping on all prescriptions, discreet packaging and delivery and no insurance required, the website also acts as a telehealth resource for men who need consulting on their sexual health. For sexual health, hims provides resources like medication and counseling for issues

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

like erectile dysfunction, early climax and trouble getting or staying hard. The website also offers mental health assistance, helping with anxiety, depression and burnout, which many college men are affected by. By doing a customer intake survey, hims can help you find the right medication or product to try, without any invasive or demanding questions. The cost of products and services depends on what issue a user seeks treatment for, as well as after putting in personal information, like what state you reside in. Condoms Right now, CVS has a multitude of deals revolving around condoms, which are a necessary product to use when engaging in

sexual activity. Brands like SKYN and Trojan are currently on sale, allowing for students to pick up in-store or order online. For example, a 12-count of SKYN condoms start at $19.99, while a 12-count of Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms start at $18.79. Trojan BareSkin Raw condoms also run anywhere from $9.99 to $20.99, depending on the count size you want. Overall, having condoms on you prevents sexually transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancy from occurring, making it an essential sexual health product to use if you’re planning to have sex. LOLA sexual wellness products LOLA is another great brand for women looking for sexual wellness products to try,

as all of them are gynecologist-approved. Available online, LOLA has nine different products to test out, including a mini vibrator, pleasure gel, personal lubricant and cleansing wipes. A mini vibrator starts at $40, while pleasure gel begins at $22 and personal lubricant at $13, making it relatively affordable for college students. Meanwhile, cleansing wipes start at $9. Customers can get free shipping on orders over $35, as well as save 15% off their first online purchase when signing up for rewards with LOLA.

@GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

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Campus resources for sexual health to stay safe this semester MEGAN DIEHL ASST. OPINION EDITOR Talking about sexual health can be daunting. Abstinence-only sex education and other factors, like gender and sexual orientation, heighten the stigma around what is already a difficult conversation for many, but it is a conversation that must be had. On college campuses specifically, it is vital to know what resources you have available to take care of all aspects of your sexual health. This includes contraception, prevention of STDs, abortion resources and resources for those who have experienced sexual assault or other interpersonal violence. Here are a few resources around Athens available to Ohio University students who are thinking about their sexual well-being: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing There should be nothing shameful about recognizing that something is wrong and prioritizing your health, but this shame remains. However, the way these diseases can affect your body is far scarier than a few moments of anxiety and discomfort. STI testing is readily available for students at Hudson Health Center and Athens Health Center. At Hudson, all you need to bring is your student ID, and you do not have to use the Ohio University Health Insurance to receive testing. The Athens Health Center, a branch of Planned Parenthood, also offers STI testing, as well as treatment and vaccinations against STIs. Care is available by appointment or walk-ins. Contraception Another vital aspect of sexual health is access to contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies and protect yourself and any sexual partners from STIs. Hudson Health Center also offers various contraception options. What’s unique about Hudson is that Contraception Counselors are also available for a free one-on-one consultation to help determine what form of contraception works best for you. Abortion To need an abortion is to be in an incredibly difficult situation that most cannot fathom, especially in Ohio, where current law says abortions are illegal once a heartbeat has been detected. However, Hudson Health Center can aid in referring you to other out16 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR side specialists who may be able to help you. Abortion Finder can help you find the abortion care you need, and the Abortion Fund of Ohio can help those seeking abortions — who cannot get them due to financial or logistical reasons or Ohio’s restrictions — receive the care they need. If you are struggling with an unplanned pregnancy, Counseling and Psychological Services is also available 24/7 to help you sift through your options.

Emotional support for sexual assault and interpersonal violence cases Although going to the police is usually the first suggestion anyone who has experienced assault or abuse receives, what is most important is seeking the emotional support you need. Though you should absolutely report violence, seeking counseling from OU’s Counseling and Psychological Services should be just as high a priority.

Sexual health can be overwhelming to navigate but it is something that absolutely cannot be neglected especially when you are young. It may be difficult to ask for help, but at OU, there are always resources available.

@MEGANDIEHL02 MD396520@OHIO.EDU

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Debunking your favorite myths about sex KATIE MILLARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Content warning: this article discusses sex and sexual activities openly. Please proceed appropriately. As any student living in tight quarters can likely attest to, college students like to have sex. Although campus is not quite like the orgy presented in many early 2000s films, sex is very much a part of many students’ collegiate experiences. However, myths persist that make it harder to have safe sex, so let’s debunk some common claims. Having penetrative sex too many times will make a vagina “loose” According to Healthline, the vaginal canal is elastic, meaning it stretches and returns to its initial shape. This is crucial for things like sex and childbirth to be possible. The number of times someone does or does not have sex has no effect on the strength of their pelvic muscles. The stigma surrounding a “loose” vagina is entirely societal and stems from a long history of shaming women for sexual behaviors and treating vaginas as solely for others’ pleasure. Throughout history, women have been shamed and even killed for sexual behavior or rumors. Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” slut-shames Hero, a woman whose fiance and future father-in-law believe a shady character’s unreliable rumor, even saying “Death is the fairest cover for her shame.” Since the 1950s, some doctors have subjected women post-childbirth to the “husband stitch,” or vaginal tightening surgery. This refers to when more stitches than necessary are performed after labor-related tearing, according to Medical News Today. This unnecessary, often painful stitch has never been an approved medical procedure as the vagina will 18 / JANUARY 11, 2024 | SPECIAL EDITION

eventually return naturally to a pre-delivery state. While the stigma surrounding “loose” vaginas persists, the amount of sex someone with a vagina has will not affect how “loose” or “tight” it is. Oral sex is safe sex While oral sex does not cause pregnancy unless you do it very, very wrong, sexually transmitted infections can still be transmitted by oral sex. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea and intestinal infections transmitted via oral sex can spread throughout the body. STIs can also emerge in the mouth, throat, genitals or genital areas following oral sex. The CDC recommends using protection even when performing oral sex, and sexual partners should disclose any STDs or STIs before participating in any sexual activity. Sex between two individuals with vaginas must involve a strap-on Not only is this incredibly heteronormative, it is also simply untrue. Sex can look many different ways, and not all of them revolve around penetration. What constitutes sex is an individual definition regarding consensual sexual activity between people. While on the subject, no, people do not scissor aggressively, and yes, people with vaginas can give one another STIs. Anyone having sex, regardless of anatomy and sexuality, should take precautions for safe sex. All birth control is created equal There are many different forms of birth control and they vary in use and effectiveness. According to Planned Parenthood, implanted birth control like a rod or an IUD can last several years and are 99% effective. The birth control shot is 96% effective and is administered every three months, with

vaginal rings, birth control patches and pills each ringing in at 93% effective, at least in part due to difficulties with sticking to a schedule. Condoms are only 87% effective, but people on other forms of birth control should still consider using condoms or other preventative measures to protect against STIs, according to Planned Parenthood. Pulling out is another form of birth control, but sperm may still enter the vagina if it is improperly timed or if pre-ejaculation fluid contains sperm. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 in 5 couples who use pulling out for one year will get pregnant. Tracking one’s cycle is another form of free and natural birth control like pulling out, but it is also risky. This method requires careful record-keeping and meticulous planning, allowing those with menstrual cycles to keep track of when they are least and most likely to become pregnant. As many as 24 of 100 people with menstrual cycles who use cycle tracking for birth control become pregnant in their first year, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can only transmit an STI if you are symptomatic According to the World Health Institute, WHO, more than 1 million STIs are acquired every day worldwide, most of which are asymptomatic. One in four college students have STIs, with 60% of college students having herpes, according to a Wayne State University study. People with STIs are still able to transmit them even if they are not experiencing symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Thus, it is important to get tested for STIs frequently. For protection, WHO recommends always using a condom. However, condoms do not fully protect against STIs that cause extra-genital ulcers like syphilis or genital herpes, although condoms reduce risk, according to the CDC.

@KATIE_MILLARD11 KM053019@OHIO.EDU

5 ways to monitor your sexual health GRACE KOENNECKE ASST. THE BEAT EDITOR On a college campus like Ohio University, it’s important to monitor your sexual health, especially as you begin new relationships. By practicing healthy routines and wellness checks, you will be prioritizing good sexual health, which many students may not think to put first outside of the classroom. With the popular hook-up and dating scene in Athens, here are five ways to monitor your sexual health year-round: Always ensure trust and safety before engaging in sexual situations Whether it’s your first time having sex or not, it’s extremely important to ensure your partner has been tested for any sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, in the past several months, or if they’re seeing multiple people. Before going into a sexual situation, you should ask your partner these questions to encourage trust and safety ahead of time, as your sexual health will be protected from any infections or further complications. Also, make sure to ask your partner if they will be using any kind of protection, such as a condom or IUD, as these can help prevent pregnancy and infections from spreading. You and your partner should be on the same page in terms of what you want to use during sex, so by creating an open conversation about the topic, you will also build trust and ensure safe sex practices. Track your sex life For some people, tracking their sex lives makes it easier to see how their bodies are changing and responding to different forms of sex. In an interview with Bustle, Dr. Gary Brown, a couples therapist, said sex-tracking apps “help remove some of the stigma that users may have about sex in general, while providing real world details about the anatomy and physiology of sex.” You can also use these apps to track a menstrual or fertility cycle or to improve the quantity or quality of the sex you’re having, as well as see if you have missed a period or ovulation. Sex-tracking apps can also include tips to further intimacy with other people who are seeking to improve their sex lives, allowing for inclusive conversations online to happen. Visit a primary health care provider, gynecologist, or urologist on a regular basis if needed Checking in on your sexual health with a professional can allow you to address any concerns or updates on your sex life in confidentiality. A primary health care provid-

ABBIE KINNEY | ART DIRECTOR

er can recommend you to a gynecologist or urologist with further inquiries, as these professionals can provide further guidance on sex. Gynecologists focus on the female reproductive system, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Meanwhile, urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases in the urinary system. Gynecologists are also extremely important to visit to get screened for cervical cancer and cell changes via a pap smear, which women are recommended to start getting at the age of 21. All in all, choosing to see a medical professional about your sexual health, in general, is recommended if you’re choosing to be sexually active, preventing any infections or diseases from worsening if detected.

Take care of your sexual organs Care is another crucial element of keeping your sexual health in line while in college. You should not be using products that will irritate your sexual organs. Instead, you should actively seek out products and cleaning methods that are safe and healthy to use daily. For people with vaginas and vulvas, Healthline recommends washing with warm water, using a mild soap like Dove Sensitive or Aveeno. You should use a clean washcloth or your hands to wash down there, making sure to be gentle. The same practices go for people with penises, with the aim being to gently wash any sensitive areas as well.

selves and everything you used. This means washing your sexual organs and the rest of your body and cleaning any sex toys used and the area around you. Also, make sure to replenish your body afterward by eating a snack or meal and drinking water, as drinking water especially helps wash out any remaining bacteria from your body. It may sound like common sense, but wash your hands after sex as well to avoid spreading bacteria from someone’s genitals.

@GRACE_KOE GK011320@OHIO.EDU

Clean everything after sex After sex, you should be cleaning your-

THEPOSTATHENS.COM / 19

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