Frequently Asked Questions About Safer Sex

Safer sex & sexually transmitted infections

I'm not having sex, should I be concerned about sexually transmitted infections?

You are not alone in your decision not to have sex. One out of three NYU students reported having had no sexual partner in the last school year.* However, "having sex" can mean different things to different people. Even skin-to-skin contact may put you at risk for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). For more information, see FAQs about abstinence and STIs. If you are unsure about your level of risk, call the Wellness Exchange at 212-443-9999.
*ACHA-NCHA administered April 2004

What is safer sex?

Safer sex is lowering your (and your partner’s) risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you choose to be sexually active, using latex or polyurethane barriers (e.g. condoms, dental dams and gloves) will lower your risk for STIs. Safer sex is also abstaining from sex if you have sores or other symptoms of infection, getting routine checkups for infections, and getting the correct treatment if you become infected.

What is an STI?

STIs are infections that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. There are more than 30 kinds of STIs. They are transmitted primarily through intimate contact with a person who has a sexually transmitted infection. Everyone who is sexually active is at risk for STIs if their partner is infected.

There are approximately 18.9 million new cases of STIs every year in the United States. 48% of those are among people ages 15-24.* The three most common among college students are Chlamydia, Human Papillomavirus (HPV or Genital Warts), and Herpes (HSV).
*ACHA-NCHA administered April 2004

Are STIs the same thing as STDs?

Yes. The terms STI (sexually transmitted infection) and STD (sexually transmitted disease) are used interchangeably. However, people acquire infections through sexual contact, not diseases. STI is more accurate.

How can I tell if someone has an STI?

Not all STIs have visible symptoms. Some can only be detected by having a blood test and others may be difficult to diagnose. It is not unusual for a person with an STI to be unaware they have an infection. You can have an STI (such as HPV or Herpes) and never have an outbreak, but still transmit the infection to someone else. Most people with Chlamydia, particularly women, have no symptoms. The only way to know if someone has an STI is to get tested.

Where can I get tested for STIs?

NYU Student Health Center (SHC) offers STI testing. SHC is located on the 3rd and 4th Floors of 726 Broadway (at Waverly Place). To make an appointment, call 212-443-1000. Confidential HIV testing is also available at SHC. Call 212-443-1122 to schedule and appointment.

For a list of clinics in New York City that offer free or low-cost STI testing, visit the Health Promotion Office at SHC or call 212-443-1234.

What happens when you get tested for STIs?

When you get tested for STIs, you will first speak with a provider about your sexual history. This is will help assess your level of risk and determine the type of testing best for you. There are four methods of testing for different STIs: visual, blood, urine and culture.

If I test negative for STIs, can I have unprotected sex?

It is best to always practice safer sex to reduce your risk of contracting an STI.

If I'm a woman who has sex with women, do I really need to worry about STIs?

Yes. Your sexual orientation does not make you immune to STIs. It is possible for women who have sex with women to acquire and transmit infections through unprotected oral sex, mutual touching of one another’s genitals, or sharing sex toys. You can reduce the risk of infection through safer sex, including the use of latex barriers (i.e. gloves, dental dams for oral sex, and condoms on sex toys).

Can you get STIs from Oral Sex?

Yes. Unprotected oral sex can put you at risk for STIs including HIV, Herpes, Gonorrhea and Hepatitis B. If you are having oral sex (oral contact with a partner's anus or vulva, outside of the vagina) use a dental dam or plastic wrap (any brand) to cover the area on which you put your mouth. If you are performing oral sex on a penis, be sure it is covered with a non-lubricated condom.

What is a dental dam?

A dental dam is a thin square of latex that is placed over the vulva (the outside of the vagina) or anus for safer oral sex. Plastic wrap (any brand) can also be used for this purpose. Free dental dams and other safer sex supplies are available at NYU.

How can I talk to my partner about STIs?

Talking about STIs with your partner is not always easy. Below are some tips that may help turn a potentially difficult conversation into an opportunity for more open communication.

Choose a time and place convenient for both of you that is free of distractions.
Practice beforehand. How do you want to start the conversation? What are the important points you want to address? Sometimes it helps to write down what you’d like to say.
Acknowledge the conversation may be difficult. Set guidelines so both partners avoid judging, labeling, blaming or threatening one another.
Use "I" statements when talking. For example, I feel that abstinence is right for me at this time. Or, I would feel more comfortable if we used a condom.
Ask open-ended questions such as “What do you think about our agreeing to get tested for STIs before we have sex?” Or, “What do you think about our using dental dams during oral sex?”

If I get tested for STIs and use my insurance, will my parents find out?

In New York State, anyone over the age of 13 has access to reproductive health care without the consent of their parents. This means you can have a gynecological exam, get tested for STIs, or have other related health care and your parents cannot access your medical records without your written consent. If you are using your parent’s health insurance to cover your expenses, however, they may receive a bill indicating the services you received.

At the Student Health Center, ask at the front desk whether or not you will be billed for any services. You may choose to have a bill sent directly to you or pay any fees incurred out of pocket. For information on resources outside of NYU, visit the Health Promotion Office at SHC or call 212-443-1234.

Condoms

Do condoms really work?

Yes. Latex and polyurethane condoms are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV when used consistently and correctly during vaginal, oral, or anal intercourse. Condoms provide a significant level of protection against STIs transmitted through infected semen or vaginal fluid because they protect both partners against exposure to these fluids. They also provide some protection against STIs that are transmitted primarily through contact with infected skin, but only on the parts that are covered or protected by the condom.

How do I know what type of condom to use?

Selecting which condom to use is a matter of personal preference. To learn which condom is best for you, try using different kinds. Some people are loyal to certain brands because they find them visually pleasing, comfortable or sensitive. Others are allergic to latex and choose to use polyurethane or female condoms. Some condoms come with a thin layer of water-based lubrication on them, which can make vaginal or anal penetration more comfortable and reduce the chances of breakage from friction. If you have non-lubricated condoms, it's a good idea to add a water-based lubricant, like K-Y® jelly or Astroglide®, to reduce the risk of breakage.

We do not recommend the use of condoms lubricated with the spermicide nonoxynol-9. It can irritate the vulva, vagina, penis and rectum, increasing your chance of getting an infection.

Does using two condoms provide more protection than using just one condom?

No. Using two condoms, or "double bagging", does not double your protection against pregnancy and STIs. Condoms are designed to be used one at a time. The use of two condoms (two male condoms or a male condom with a female condom) can be almost like not using one at all. During penetration, the condoms will rub against each other creating friction between them. If there is enough friction, the condoms are likely to break.

If I'm on the pill, do I have to use condoms?

Used correctly and consistently, birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and other hormonal methods like the patch and the ring are 99.7 percent effective against pregnancy. However, they offer no protection against STIs. For this reason, many people use female or latex condoms in addition to a hormonal method of birth control.

Pregnancy

What is the safest time of the month for a woman not to get pregnant?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Every person’s menstrual cycle is different. As a result, each woman's fertile time is different. A woman can become pregnant from unprotected intercourse up to six days before ovulation (when an egg is released), and up to four days after ovulation. For those who have a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs at approximately mid-cycle (14 days). But for women who have longer or shorter menstrual cycles, ovulation can occur before or after their mid-cycle mark. Also, some women ovulate at any time during their cycle, including during menstruation, and ovulation can be affected by stress and other factors.

Can I get pregnant if I have unprotected sex during my period?

Yes, it is possible to become pregnant from vaginal intercourse during menstruation. This is especially likely when the menstrual cycle is brief (e.g. 21-22 days). Because sperm can live up to seven days in the cervical mucus of a woman's vagina and ovulation can occur within a few days of the last day of a woman's period (in a short cycle), it is possible for fertilization to take place.

How can I tell if I’m pregnant?

The easiest way to know if you are pregnant is to take a test. Accurate and reliable tests are available over the counter at the NYUHC Pharmacy or any drug store. You can also see your medical provider about a pregnancy test.

What do I do if I am pregnant?

If you are pregnant and would like to discuss your options, call 212-443-9999. We’re here to listen.

Emergency contraception

What is Emergency Contraception?

Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECP) are synthetic progesterone hormones, which are birth control pills used to reduce the risk of pregnancy. ECP should be taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, but can be taken up to 96-120 hours (4 or 5 days) later to prevent pregnancy.

The sooner ECP is taken the better. ECP reduces the risk of pregnancy by approximately 89% when taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse.

How does ECP work?

ECP may work in several ways. The pills either keep the ovary from releasing an egg, thicken cervical mucus, or change the lining of the uterus in such a way that a fertilized egg may not attach and develop into a pregnancy. These emergency pills prevent pregnancy about 76-99% of the time, depending on when in the cycle unprotected intercourse takes place.

You may notice a difference in your next period (e.g. early, late, lighter or heavier) if you take ECP. Once you have taken ECP, if you see a clinician for any reason before your next period, you should tell him/her that you have taken the pills.

How can I get ECP?

ECP is available by prescription only. You can get a prescription at SHC in either Women's Health or Urgent Care Services. The Pharmacy at SHC can fill your prescription for ECP. For a list of resources outside of NYU, visit the Health Promotion Office at SHC (726 Broadway, 3rd Floor) or call 212-443-1234.

Have more questions about ECP? See Frequently Asked Questions about ECP online at the SHC website.

FAQs