Sexual Health
Be prepared, protected and empowered
Sexual Health Tips & Resources
Communicate
First things first, consent!
Consent isn't given just once, but an ongoing agreement between partners during the entire sexual experience. To remember this, we recommend our owls make M.O.V.E.S..
- M: Mutual
- O: Ongoing
- V: Voluntary
- E: Expressed
- S: Safe
Also talk with your partner about these important topics before you engage in sex.
Having these discussions before sex will make the experience safer and more gratifying. Tap the links below to learn more.
Protection
There are many ways you can protect yourself and your partner during sex. This includes physical barrier, such as condoms, dental dam, etc. Then the use of medications or vaccinations are other forms of protection. Each have their own particular use and benefit.
In general, people use protection during sex to prevent:
- Sexually Transmitted Infections aka STIs
- Unintended Pregnancies
Protection Options:
Note: No single method of protection is 100% effective and each have their own unique rate of effectiveness. Learn about each method to decide what is right for you.
- Physical barriers, such as condoms, are used to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies.
- Birth control, such as the pill or IUDs, are used to prevent unintended pregnancies, but will not protect you from STIs.
- Vaccinations will protect you from a specific STI, but not unintended pregnancies. As well, not all STIs have vaccinations available.
How are STIs transmitted?
- Sexual ContactThis includes oral, anal and vaginal sex, i.e. fluid exchange.
- Skin to Skin ContactThis includes genital to genital touching or mucous membrane contact.
- Blood ContactFrom using the same needles, open wounds, etc.
- Parent-to-ChildThis includes in utero, through birth, and/or though breast milk.
If you have an STI, you can still have a health happy child! Be open and honest with your doctor to receive timely treatment.
The most common symptom of STI's are NO symptoms. That's why it's important to use protection every time.
Remember: You cannot reuse physical barrier protect products, such as condoms. For maximum protection, use new and undamaged products each time you engage in sex.
Use the links below to find information about protection options, free safe sex supplies or emergency care.
- On-CampusSee the FAU DoctorLocations in Boca Raton, Davie and Jupiter campuses. Contraceptive education and prescriptions IUD consultation and insertions Emergency contraception Pregnancy testing, options counseling, referrals and other sexual health concerns.
- FreeOn-campus Supplies MapAccess our interactive map for easy to find campus locations. Including all residence halls (24/7).
- FreeOff-campus Supplies MapFind off-campus providers that offer free safer sex supplies and other sexual health services! Including care for LGBTQ+ members.
- Birth ControlTypes of Barrier MethodsFind a method that's right for you.
- STI ToolkitPlan ParenthoodTaking Care of Me: STI Prevention, Treatment, and Stigma
Vaccinations
In addition to physical protection, getting vaccinated can help prevent contracting and spreading STIs. Meet with your doctor to know your status.
HIV Prevention and Treatment
In addition to physical barriers, take advantage of HIV prevention medications that are available pre- and post-exposure.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis. This is a medication for people at high-risk for HIV. It is a daily medication that reduces the risk of contracting HIV. And, when used in conjunction with a condom, it is even more effective!
PEP stands for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. This is for people who have been exposed to HIV. If taken within 72 hours, it decreases the likelihood that you contracted the disease.
Talk with your doctor if you think you are at high risk for HIV. PreP is available at FAU Student Health Services (SHS)!
Get Tested
Get tested annually or between partners.
Knowing your status can help you get treatment quickly and protect others. See below a list of free testing locations.
- On-CampusFAU Student Health Services(561) 297-3512
- West Palm BeachFoundCare(561) 472-9160
- Delray BeachAIDS Healthcare Foundation(561) 279-0991
- Boca Raton And Boynton BeachGenesis Community Health(561) 735-6553
- Boynton BeachCaridad Center(561) 737-6336
- Lake WorthCompass(561) 533-9699
- Pompano BeachBroward Health Weaver Center(561) 776-8300
- MiamiCamillus House and Health(305) 341-0152
