What is Sexual Health?
Sexual health is more than just preventing unplanned pregnancies and preventing infections. It's about feeling informed, empowered, and safe in your sexual decisions. Whether you're sexually active or not, understanding your sexual health helps you take care of your body, set boundaries, and build healthy relationships.
Sexual health includes:
- Understanding your body and how it works
- Making informed, consensual choices
- Knowing how to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancy
- Having access to sexual and reproductive healthcare
- Feeling safe, respected, and free from coercion in your relationships and experiences
What is Consent?
Consent is a clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing "yes" to any form of intimacy. Consent is sexy but it is also a requirement.
An easy way to remember what consent means, is through the acronym FRIES:
- Freely given- no pressure, force, or manipulation
- Reversible- anyone can change their mind at anytime (even if they've said "yes" before)
- Informed- all parties know what they're agreeing to
- Enthusiastic- everyone involved wants to be there
- Specific- saying "yes" to one thing doesn't mean yes to everything
At CMC, we have an amazing support resource through the CMC Advocates for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. During the school year, they can be reached through their hotline at (909) 616-5556. The Advocates are a student-run organization that is confidential, meaning that they do not need to report any conversations.
The CMC Title IX Office is an important resource for anyone who has experienced sexual violence, harassment, and sex discrimination. Whether or not you choose to report an incident to the Title IX office is up to you. Even if you choose to report, you do not need to proceed with a criminal investigation. Regardless of your decisions, our Title IX Office is available to provide a variety of resources for support.
Other confidential resources include the Chaplains and our on-campus counseling center, Monsour Counseling and Psychological Services (MCAPS). The Empower Center is another incredible resource which provides holistic, confidential support to all students impacted in any way by sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, or stalking.
STIs and Protection
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common, and many don't show symptoms. Regular testing is the only way to know whether you or your partner(s) may have an infection. Check out some tips below to stay safe:
- Use condoms and other barrier methods during vaginal, oral, or anal sex
- Communicate with your partner(s) about STI testing and protection
- Consider additional prevention tools like PrEP (for HIV protection) or dental dams
Birth Control
There are so many options of birth control, and they are only becoming more accessible (in California). If cost is a barrier or you don’t want anything to appear on your family’s insurance records, utilize the FamilyPACT program by giving your campus address. This program provides no-cost family planning service to Californians.
Condoms
Condoms are a great option as they also provide protection from STIs if used correctly. Ensure that condoms have been stored correctly, which means they have not been stored in a car glove box, wallet, or other location in which they experienced extreme heat, wear and tear, or risk of puncture. Make sure that the condom is not inside out, and use a new condom with different forms of sexual contact and different partners. There are so many locations where students can get free condoms! Health Education outreach (HEO), Student Health Services (SHS), The Queer Resource Center (QRC), the Advocates, and many RA’s doors are all easy and accessible spots for students to get free condoms.
Oral Birth Control
The pill is one of the most accessible contraceptive options. There are two main types, the combination pill of both estrogen and progestin, or the progestin-only pills. The main difference is that with progestin-only pills, you have to take them in the same three-hour window everyday rather than just making sure you take one per day. All options of pills are available through a prescription, which are available through your primary care provider. Alternatively, Student Health Services (SHS) offers appointments that are free of charge to students where they can help you choose the best contraceptive option for you! Not everyone takes oral birth control pills for the purpose of preventing pregnancy. The pill can also help prevent bone thinning, ovarian cysts, endometrial and ovarian cancers, anemia, and serious infections in reproductive organs. Many states now also offer over-the-counter birth control. This is called the O-Pill and is available at most pharmacies. The Claremont Colleges also offer this form of contraception at their wellness vending machines in both Walker Lounge and the Honnold-Mudd Library.
Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Pill
The Implant (Nexplanon)
The implant is a long-acting contraceptive, meaning that once it is inserted into the skin of one’s upper arm, the implant works for five years. This is another form of hormonal contraception. One of the major benefits of the implant is that the person with the implant can easily check that it is still in place with a quick probe of their arm. Moreover, the implant is easily removable, so if the user decides that they no longer want the implant for any reason, a quick trip to a provider can remove it.
Planned Parenthood: Birth Control Implant
The Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The IUD is a very popular form of birth control due to its high rate of effectiveness and low maintenance. There are two types: Hormonal or Copper. Both types have their benefits depending on what the user is looking for. Most hormonal IUDs are effective for 8 years while copper is effective for 12. IUDs can also be used for emergency contraception if placed within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. However, the insertion and removal process for an IUD is much more involved. An IUD must be inserted into the uterus, which is much more invasive than other methods. Moreover, passing through the cervix is a painful process. While the process varies for each individual, discuss pain management options with your provider prior to your insertion date.
Tubal Ligation
Tubal Ligation, also known as sterilization, is a surgical procedure that permanently prevents pregnancy. This laparoscopic procedure is minimally invasive and seals or removes fallopian tubes. This procedure is permanent, so should be chosen with caution, but is the most effective option for preventing pregnancy.
Planned Parenthood: Sterilization
Fertility Awareness Methods
Fertility Awareness Methods are the most involved forms of contraception. These methods help the user track their menstrual cycle to know when they are ovulating or releasing an egg. Merely tracking periods has an effectiveness rate of around 77% success. To increase this rate, checking one’s vaginal temperature and cervical mucus can increase the effectiveness, called the symptothermal method, to as high as 98% effective.
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is a medication that can be prescribed for folks who are at high risk for contracting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). This determination can be from “high risk” behaviors such as one’s preference of sexual partners or use of injectable drugs. PrEP is only available as a prescription, and comes in both daily pill and long-acting injectable forms meant to prevent HIV before any “risky” behaviors happen. Student Health Services (SHS) can provide a prescription for PrEP to students.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis is a medication taken after engaging in “risky” behavior. This medication is given to folks who are HIV negative or do not know their infection status and may have been exposed to HIV through sex, sharing needles, or other routes. PEP should be started within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure. PEP is approximately a month-long course of medication whose effectiveness is correlated with consistent and correct usage. Student Health Services (SHS) can provide a prescription for PEP to students.
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
People who are sexually active should be tested either yearly or before having sex with a new partner, whichever is more frequent. Most STI infections result in no symptoms, which is why proactive testing is the most beneficial step one can take to protect their sexual health. Student Health Services (SHS) provides STI testing. For some students, this may feel too public, in which case Planned Parenthood Upland (about an eight minute drive) is an excellent option. There are also mail-in test-kits available.
While we can be as proactive as possible when it comes to safer sex practices, things still happen. Condoms break, pills are missed, despite best efforts. The morning-after pill is meant for those cases where something went wrong. The Plan B pill works to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex for up to three days after. The pill is most effective when taken as soon as possible. IUDs can also be used for emergency contraception if placed within 120 hours (5 days) of unprotected sex. These forms of contraception should only be used for emergencies–not as a day to day option. If you are finding yourself often reaching for plan B, it’s time to reassess your sexual health practices and perhaps turn to a long-acting contraceptive.