Sexual Health Education

We understand that sexual health can be a private and sensitive topic to discuss for some people. However, communication between you and those you have intimate relationships with, and you and your healthcare providers is essential for your health. Our providers are focused on prevention, health promotion, and treatment. We cover areas such as sexually transmitted infections (STI) testing, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), contraception, and cancer screening. We provide personalized healthcare for every individual’s needs.

Information was obtained directly from the CDC, GVSU, and our providers.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The number of STIs has increased dramatically from 2014 to 2019.
• Only 67.5% of students who had intercourse used a condom during their last encounter.
• 68% of students reported that parents never talked with them about what to expect when it comes to sex.
• Half of all STIs occur between the ages of 15-24 years.
• 1 out of 2 sexually active young people will have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) by the time they are 25 years old.
• Toilet seats and washcloths do not spread STIs.

Myth: “Only gay men and drug users get HIV”

• Men who have sex with men may be disproportionately affected by HIV, but it does not matter what sexual orientation or gender you are, or whether you have had one or many sexual partners. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of acquiring HIV or other types of STIs.

Myth: “I can avoid STIs by only having oral sex”

• STIs can be transmitted through any form of sexual contact including oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

Myth: “I won’t get an STI because I’m on the pill”

• Oral contraception (birth control pills) helps to prevent unplanned pregnancy, but it does not protect against STIs. The only form of birth control that offers any STI protection is using condoms every time. Condoms protect against some STIs, but not those spread by skin-to-skin contact, like herpes.

Myth: “If my partner has an STI, I’ll see it”

• Many STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis can be asymptomatic or dormant for years. This means an individual with an STI may not show signs of an infection. Even if there are no obvious signs, an infection can still be transmitted to any sexual partner.

Myth: “If I get checked and am STI free, my partner doesn't need to get checked”

• Your partner(s) should also be checked. Since many STIs are initially asymptomatic, they may have an infection and not know it.

Myth: “If I get an STI, it will go away on its own”

• It is unlikely that an STI will go away by itself, and if you delay seeking treatment the infection will likely cause long-term health problems. Many STIs can be treated with antibiotics. If you go untreated there is a high risk of passing on the infection to other sexual partners, even if you do not have any signs or symptoms at the time.

Mental Health

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH - DID YOU KNOW?

• 40% of students fail to seek help for mental illness
• 1 in 3 college-aged students reported prolonged depression
• 67% of students tell a friend they are suicidal before anyone else
• Only 7% of parents reported their college-aged child was experiencing mental health issues
• 36% of college dropouts are caused by mental health-related issues