Sexual health and relationships
Coming to University can be a life changing experience. We understand that many students will arrive on campus with a variety of experiences and ideas about sex. For many, University will open up a number of exciting personal opportunities; self-development, experimentation, the chance to from new and intimate relationships. However it's also a time to take responsibility for your own health and wellbeing.
The vibrant student life can be exciting, meeting new people and socialising, but we also want you to be safe, feel good about yourself and:
- protect yourself and your partner against STI's/ unintended pregnancy
- feel comfortable and accepted about your sexual orientation
- be able to choose to have sex or not to have sex
- be free from exploitation, oppression, physical or emotional harm.
Sexual health is an important part of physical and mental health as well as your emotional and social well-being. It's important to take care of your sexual health and, if you have children, it's good to talk about sex and relationships.
All students need to look after their sexual health and take the time to time to understand the facts and issues surrounding contraceptives and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Some STIs, like Chlamydia, carry no syptoms and therefore may be unnoticeable.This infection can also cause infertility so it's important to be safe be protecting yourself and havign regular check ups.
How much do you really know?
For more advice, information or to discuss your contraceptive options you can talk to a doctor or nurse at your local GP surgery or family planning clinic. Surgeries will often hold family planning sessions for young adults to help them openly discuss sex and relationship issues.
Find your local Sexual Health sevices here
Condoms are the only form of contraceptive that offers protection from both sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancy.
Are you under 24? If so, why not register for a C-Card today to get quick and easy access to free condoms from a range of venues across Stoke on Trent and North Staffordshire. It is a confidential service which also offers information and advice about sexual health and relationships. To find out more visit here.
The Student Services Centre, along with the help of the North Staffs Sexual Health team, will be visiting all halls of residence during each semester to provide sexual health advice and the chance to register for a C-Card.
You can use your C-Card in the Keele Health Centre on campus to pick up free condoms.
For more advice, information or to discuss your contraceptive options, you can talk to a doctor or nurse at your local GP surgery or family planning clinic. Surgeries will often hold family planning sessions for young adults to help them openly discuss sex and relationship issues.
Find your local Sexual Health Services here.
Condoms are also available from ASK (located in the SU, ground floor) and from the VP Welfare in the SU.