Safe sex
(cont.)
What if a woman has never used birth control, is there a place to get it and learn how to use it?
Women who are sexually active or using birth control, or are thinking about it, are strongly encouraged to have a gynecological (women's health) exam. A person may make an appointment for this type of exam at Women's Health Services in the University Health Center. If you are interested in learning more about birth control, there are several ways to do this. At the Center for Health Promotion, we have an extensive resource room with information about many topics related to sexual health, including exactly what happens in a pelvic exam and what to expect, female anatomy, the pros and cons of different types of contraception, and safer sex. Call the WellnessExchange at (212) 443-9999. You're welcome to drop by whenever we're open. Another way to learn about birth control is by using the Internet. Planned Parenthood has a wonderful website that has a lot of information about birth control and sexual health.
What about men who wish to get assistance with birth control?
At the Center for Health Promotion, we are happy to talk to men about birth control and we have examples of all different types of birth control methods. Many men do not know about birth control and having this information can help them talk to their partner about what method(s) to use. There are male health advocates that men can talk to if they feel uncomfortable speaking to a woman about these issues.
Why should students worry about AIDS?
Although there are medications for those who are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, there is still no cure. AIDS is a major public health concern. In the United States, the fastest growing population to be infected with HIV is heterosexual women. New York City has one of the highest concentrations of people with AIDS. There are no exact statistics on the number of people infected with HIV, and you can't tell if someone is infected just by looking, so there is no way for us to know how many people are carrying HIV but do not yet have AIDS.
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