Sexual health guide for students in the UK

Sexual health guide for students in the UK

University life seems to be a pretty confusing time for college students. This is the time when students experiment sex - without stigma or shame. However, you should be careful and minimize the risk associated with sexual encounters. Whether you are in a sexual relationship with your best buddy or some stranger, you should always be prepared. Here are a few things that you should consider.

  • Your say matters:  It is important that you think about what you think and feel. You should not get influenced by peer pressure or with your boyfriend philosophy. It’s your body and you have every right to take time and think about it. You can choose whether when and with whom you want to have sex. You have the power to make the decision when you want to lose your virginity.

  • Talk about sex: You should have the embarrassing talk rather than a disturbing sexual encounter. You should consider mutual feelings and be clear about things your partner is not comfortable with.

  • Ask yourself: Starting a sexual relationship is a big step in your life. If you think you will have sex, ask yourself:

  1. Does it feel right?

  2. Do you trust him?

  3. Does your partner love you as much you do?

  4. Have you talked about using a condom?

  5. Have you discussed which method of contraception would you prefer in case there is an unseen pregnancy?

  6. Do you think you will be able to say a ‘no’, and everything will still work out?

  7. Do you feel pressure to have sex?

  8. Do you think you will have regret afterwards?

  9. Are you considering sex just to impress your friends or your partner?

  10. Do you think sex is the only way to keep up with your partner?

Being in a relationship is not only about sex. You should indulge in other activities with your partner as well.

  • A step towards safer sex: You should consider the possibility of getting pregnant or catching a sexually-transmitted disease (STD). When you are considering having sex with someone, it is important that you are clear with what methods of protection you will use to have safer sex. If you or your partner was sexually active, you should also consider getting checked, if any of you is already infected.


    Let's prepare for a nightout

  • How do you bring up the topic: It is fairly simple to bring up the subject before the practical brings up itself. Start a conversation with how your partner feels about sexual health, what they would do and what do you feel about it.

  • Read the signs: It is important that you understand the signs they are trying to give you. If someone is making a lot of physical contacts, or trying to charm and flatter you, or tries to take you to a quiet place, it is not necessary for you to go along with it. You can say a no and leave the place when you are not comfortable. If you are sure that they can’t stay in control, then you should avoid such sticky situations.

  • Alcohol or drugs aren’t your friends: Recent studies show that many students lose their virginity under the influence of either alcohol or drugs or both. After a few drinks, you are more likely to lose your judgement power. It is a possibility that you may regret your action the next morning. Always remember, you will not be able to undo what is already done. It is also important to remember that when you are unconscious, you are more prone to the risk of unintended pregnancy or an STD.

If you think you had unprotected sex with your partner, you should contact your GP and the person you trust the most, immediately. It is necessary that you understand the contraception guide for male and female. Before you start anything, it is better you visit your doctor and ask any doubts that you have about your sexual health. It is important that you understand people have different opinions about their sexual life and preferences. You can read diverse views of students about sex life in university . 


GMAT guide: Integrated Reasoning (IR)
UK university reform 2015: does it affect international students?