Birth control methods are good at preventing pregnancy when used consistently and correctly, so make sure your method of choice is being used correctly. Check out the difference between the types of birth control at bedsider.org.

What are you comfortable with? What are you uncomfortable with? These questions are important for all relationships, including those which are sexual. The Sexual Bill of Rights is a list of rights everyone is entitled to in a relationship, centered around yourself and your partner. Knowing your rights will help you make important decisions concerning your relationship, including defining and maintaining healthy boundaries. BILL OF RIGHTS I have the right… To always be treated with respect. In a respectful relationship, you should be treated as an equal. To not be hurt physically or emotionally. You should feel safe in your relationships at all times. To be in a healthy relationship. A healthy relationship is not controlling, manipulative, or jealous. A healthy relationship involves honesty, trust, and communications. To not be hurt physically or emotionally. You should feel safe in your relationship at all times. To refuse sex or affection at anytime. A healthy relationship involves making consensual sexual decisions. To not have sex. Even if you have had sex before, you have the right to refuse sex for any reason. To have friends and activities apart from my boyfriend or girlfriend. Spending time by yourself, with male or female friends, or with family is normal and healthy. To end a relationship. You should not be harassed, threatened, or made to feel guilty for ending an unhealthy or healthy relationship. You have the right to end a relationship for any reason you choose.

Anyone can get an STI. They are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex— and sometimes by contact with infected sores. Additionally, the sharing of needles for body piercings, tattoos, or drug use can spread STIs. Untreated STIs can be serious health problems like pain, sterility, cancer, in extreme cases, even death. An untreated STI can make it easier to get HIV. To learn more about STIs, prevention, and treatment, visit NCSDD.org. You can get STI/HIV testing at Auburn University Medical Clinic by appointment or walk in. Call (334) 844 - 4416. Free HIV testing is provided through East Alabama Medical Center's Unity Wellness at (334) 528 - 5692.

Men's Sexual Health Exams TESTICULAR SELF EXAM Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer in men ages 15-34. Beginning at age 15, you should examine your testicles monthly and continue the process through your 30s. Genital self-exams are important for many reasons, primarily because they help in early detection and monitoring of health issues. Self-exams help individuals become more familiar with their bodies, so it's easier to notice something unusual and know when to consult a healthcare professional. It's a proactive way of managing one's health, it promotes a responsible approach to sexual health, and can empower individuals by giving them direct involvement in their own health care. A testicular self-examination (TSE) is important since testicular cancer can often be asymptomatic (there may be no symptoms to indicate a medical problem). However, there may be a dull pain in the lower abdomen and a feeling of heaviness and dragging. A monthly examination will allow you to become familiar with the size and feel of your testicles so any abnormality, such as a lump, can be brought to your doctor’s attention. If detected early, testicular cancer is one of the most easily cured. What are the symptoms? In early stages testicular cancer may be symptomless. When symptoms do occur they include: Lump on the testicle Slight enlargement of one of the testes Heavy sensation in testicles or groin If you find any hard lumps or nodules, see your doctor promptly. *Only your doctor can make a diagnosis. Women’s Sexual Health Exams GETTING AN ANNUAL WOMEN’S EXAM When should I go? Annual routine checkups are the best way to screen for potential problems. You should make an appointment with your health care provider once a year if…. if you are over the age of 21 if you have ever been sexually active if you are interested in obtaining birth control It’s best to schedule your annual checkup around day 14 of your menstrual cycle, or about 2 weeks after the starting date of your period. You can also make an appointment for a GYN evaluation (not an annual exam) anytime you experience a change in vaginal discharge, burning, redness, or swelling. If you’d like to make an appointment at the Women’s Clinic in the Auburn University Medical Clinic you can call 334-844-4416, extension 3. If you’re interested in getting prescribed birth control pills, vaginal rings, or dep0-provera, an annual exam is required before any of these methods can be obtained. What’s involved? The visit may include lab tests (such as a Pap smear and/or tests for chlamydia and gonorrhea), a breast exam and the pelvic exam. A pelvic exam is a relatively quick procedure consisting of two major parts: a speculum exam, in which your clinician visually examines your cervix and completes any recommended lab tests, and a bimanual exam, where your clinician will feel the position of your internal organs with his/her fingers. The visit will take about one hour, but the actual pelvic exam normally takes about five minutes. Before Your Appointment There are a few things you should keep in mind before your appointment: Do not douche, have sex, or use tampons 48 hours before your exam. These may change the cells of the cervix, which must be left undisturbed in order to get an accurate Pap smear reading. Make a list of questions to take with you to the exam. Your health care provider is a wealth of information and should be able to answer your questions on your body, birth control, risks associated with different sexual behaviors, and sexually transmitted infection symptoms and prevention. What Should I Expect? Head to the Women’s Clinic on the second floor of the Medical Clinic. When you come into the office, you will be asked to fill out a form of your medical history, date of your last period, and previous sexual activity, such as number of partners and history of condom use. It’s important to be completely honest on this form, even if it’s embarrassing. Your health care provider is there to help you, and the only way s/he can help you is if you provide truthful information. A staff member will lead you to a room and record some basic health information, such as your height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, and general health. Next the staff member will lead you to the exam room, where you will be instructed to undress and wait for the clinician. You will be given a hospital gown with an opening in the front, as well as a sheet to cover yourself. The health care provider and an assistant will come into the room and begin the exam. This will include a thorough breast exam. Your clinician will feel in circles around your breast tissue for any lumps or abnormalities. S/he should also check your glands and abdomen for swelling. The health care provider will then perform the actual pelvic exam. S/he will position herself at the bottom of the exam table and will visually examine your vulva, looking for any bumps, sores, or other abnormalities. The clinician will then gently insert a heated speculum and open it just enough to get a good look at your cervix. Swabs may be taken of the vaginal walls, as well as a Pap smear, which checks for changes in the cells of the cervix. The important part is to relax! The bimanual exam is normally the last portion of the examination. Your clinician will insert one or two gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina, and feel around your abdomen with her other hand. During this, s/he is checking for the size, shape, and position of your uterus. Your clinician may insert a finger into your rectum to test the condition of your muscles and check for tumors in this area. Again, it’s normal to feel a bit of discomfort and pressure, but this should only last a few seconds. Every examination allows time for questions and answers. In addition to explaining what s/he is doing, your health care provider should spend some time talking with you about ways to stay healthy, avoid infection, and, if you are sexually active, practice safer sex. This is a good time to bring up that list of questions you prepared earlier! Whether you visit the Auburn University Medical Clinic or another provider, your experience should be similar to that listed above. Learn more about genital self-exams, visit healthlinkbc.ca. Learn more about breast self-exams, visit nationalbreastcancer.org.

Testicular cancer Testicular cancer is an issue often overlooked by young males. However, it can be a life threatening experience. Through regular testicular examinations, you can often detect a problem before it becomes too serious. If you feel small lumps on the testicles or have abnormal pain and sensations in the genital area, consult with a health care specialist immediately. The Right to say NO! Often times, men are perceived to only have one thing in mind, sex. However, you realize this just isn’t true. Many times a female partner wants to be physical and her male counterpart feels obligated to participate because men should always be ready. Just like women, men have the right to say NO! Men should never feel pressured into sexual relations, as there are times when you will not be in the mood due to a variety of reasons. Choosing not to have sex when your partner wants to is ok, and you do have the right to say NO! Issues with Sex There are several issues with sexual practices that men deal with relating to the body and sexual performance. These issues are usually kept particularly quiet, yet they are common for men of all ages. Premature Ejaculation One of the most common forms of sexual dysfunction for males. Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation happening before or shortly after sexual penetration, before the male is ready. This often results in a bad sexual experience for both partners. Premature Ejaculation happens without a defined reason. It can and may occur when with a new partner, in specific sexual situations, or when it has been a long time since the last ejaculation. Anxiety, guilt, depression, energy levels, and alcohol use can all cause premature ejaculation. Solutions for Getting Control of Your Body Know Yourself Be aware of your sexual response and as you approach “that moment,” ease stimulation by slowing your pace and consider pausing your activity for a moment until the feeling subsides. Do this repeatedly as you as needed, and you will soon recognize some improvement in your ability. Use a Condom Sexual intercourse can be very sensational for men. Often times, men find that the sensation is reduced by wearing a condom, helping to prolong the activity. NEVER use more than ONE condom at a time. Masturbation It may be difficult to delay an orgasm after a period of inactivity. Masturbation is an alternative to sexual inactivity which can be used to prevent premature ejaculation. Masturbating before a sexual experience can relieve performance pressures and provide a more controllable encounter. Limit Alcohol Before Performance Although alcohol use can sometimes delay, or even prevent an orgasm, it too can be the cause of premature ejaculation. Your body may not be able to sustain performance if it becomes dependent upon alcohol as an aid. Additionally, alcohol impairs decision making ability and when used irresponsibly often results in unplanned pregnancy and/or STIs. Prescription Drugs When prescribed by a licensed physician, prescription drugs can be used to delay ejaculation. However, this should only be taken as recommended by your physician. Much like alcohol, many creams only lessen the sensation and may potentially do the same for your partner.

A healthy relationship can look different to every person, couple, and/or family. There are key green flags to live by and key red flags to watch out for. Read more about the 10 signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships as defined by One Love Foundation here. Interested in learning more? Contact Wellness Services to request a presentation for your office, class, or organization on healthy relationships of any kind; friends, family, professional, or romantic relationships.

Safer Sex Safer sex is the conscious effort to reduce the risk of transmitting or acquiring STIs and preventing unintended pregnancies. It's important to recognize that no sexual activity is without risk, but there are effective methods to significantly lower risks. Some components of SAFER sex include: using contraceptives, condoms, and other barriers; regular STI testing; open and honest communication and boundaries; vaccinations; limiting the number of sexual partners; avoiding alcohol and drugs before sex. To learn more about safer sex, visit hopkinsmedicine.org.

To know your HIV status is important for your health, your relationships, your life and your future. The growth of new infections continues to pose serious health risks.In 2016, an estimated 38,700 Americans became newly infected with HIV. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men bear the greatest burden by risk group, representing an estimated 26,000 of new HIV infections per year. In 2017, youth aged 13 to 24 made up 21% (8,164) of new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas. Youth with HIV are the least likely of any age group to be linked to care in a timely manner and have a suppressed viral load.Testing is the gateway to treatment and effective treatment is a great HIV prevention tool—it saves lives and prevents HIV transmission.

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