Sexuality is a normal. UNCG is actively committed to creating an inclusive campus environment that allows all students to discover all aspects of their identity. Sexuality and sexual identity occur on a spectrum, and individuals’ identities may change as they explore themselves throughout their time on campus. Please visit the Office of Intercultural Engagement for more information and resources at https://bit.ly/2Z0EaAc
Greensboro Planned Parenthood office is now able to offer hormones for patients (18 years and older) that are seeking them for Gender Affirming Care. They accept insurance, medicaid, or self pay. They are open Monday 2-7, Tuesday 9-5, Friday 9-5, and every other Saturday 9-1. They are located at 1704 Battleground Ave, Greensboro. The number to set up an appointment is 336-373-0678.
Click on a topic below to explore the various aspects of sexual health:
Contraceptives
What contraceptive is right for you?
Deciding which contraceptive is right for you can be an overwhelming decision with so many options available. Decisions may be based on your individual needs and lifestyle, effectiveness, cost, and each choice has advantages and disadvantages. You are encouraged to consult your primary care physician and/or OB-GYN when making a decision about contraceptive use. Bedsider is a great place to start the search for the contraceptive that is best suited for your lifestyle. http://www.teenplaybook.org/ is a great new NC resource. Search for a provider by zip code!
Condoms are a cost effective choice. Here is more information on correct condom use Use a condom!
What are my options?
At some point in your lifetime, you may be faced with the decision of the type of contraceptive you will use. There are many different contraceptive options available, and understanding these options is an important first step in making that decision.
Emergency contraception
If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, you may consider use of emergency contraceptives (Plan B). Emergency contraception is a birth control that prevents pregnancy after sex, and can be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Taking emergency contraceptive makes it much less likely that you will become pregnant, but it will not terminate an existing pregnancy and is not as effective as birth control used before or during sex. You can obtain emergency contraceptives from a nearby pharmacy, including the Gove Student Health Center. Emergency contraception can be purchased by anyone, regardless of gender or age.
Sextually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are infections that spread by physical contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The microbes that cause sexually transmitted diseases are equal opportunity bugs. There are 2 major categories of STIs – bacterial (caused by bacteria) and viral (caused by viruses). Bacterial STIs are often cured with antibiotics; whereas viral STIs have no cure but their symptoms can be alleviated or slowed with treatment. A third category, STIs caused by protozoa (trichomoniasis, crabs/pubic lice, scabies) also exist and are cured with antibiotics and topical creams.
One of the most common symptoms of an STI is no symptoms at all so it’s important to go for check-ups. 80 percent of women and 40 percent of men diagnosed with chlamydia may not experience symptoms. STIs need to be diagnosed correctly and fully treated as soon as possible to avoid complications that could be serious and/or permanent.
Bacterial STDs
Chlamydia
- Chlamydia is one of the most widespread bacterial STDs in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that more than 3 million people are infected each year.
Gonorrhea
- In 2002, 351,852 cases of gonorrhea were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the United States, approximately 75 percent of all reported cases of gonorrhea are found in people aged 15 to 29 years. The highest rates of infection are usually found in 15- to 19-year old women and 20- to 24-year-old men.
Syphilis
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), once responsible for devastating epidemics. It is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. The rate of primary and secondary syphilis in the United States declined by 89.2 percent from 1990 to 2000. The number of cases rose, however, from 5,979 in 2000 to 6,103 in 2001. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in November 2002 that this was the first increase since 1990
Viral STDs
Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts (HPV)
- Health experts estimate there are more cases of genital HPV infection than any other STI in the United States. According to the American Social Health Association, approximately 5.5 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year. At least 20 million people in this country are already infected.
Herpes
- Nationwide, since the late 1970s, the number of people with genital herpes infection has increased 30 percent. The largest increase is occurring in young teens. HSV-2 infection is more common in three of the youngest age groups which include people aged 12 to 39 years.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- HIV is a virus that weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. No effective cure exists for HIV. But with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. According to the CDC, an estimated 1.2 million Americans over the age of 13 are living with HIV.
Hepatitis
- There are currently three different strains (A, B, and C) of the hepatitis virus. Although there is no cure, early detection and proactive treatment is key to for these STIs. A vaccine also exists for Hepatitis A and B.
Molluscum Contagiosum
- Molluscum contagiosum is a skin infection caused by a virus. This infection causes bumps on the skin. It often occurs in children but is also considered a sexually transmitted disease in adults. The bumps will disappear on their own after several weeks to months
If you have specific questions about your sexual health, feel free to contact Wellness staff in the Department of Recreation and Wellness.
