Women’s Health 101: Your Sexual Health


These are some of the most common issues that women face regarding their sexual health, especially when they are in college. Getting the facts, making a plan, and taking care of yourself are important steps to staying healthy.

Unplanned Pregnancy
Many couples become pregnant without really thinking or talking about it. So, If you are having sex and do not want to have a child now, a birth control plan is the best solution.
Make a birth control plan. Learn about the different methods! Condoms are very reliable, especially when used every time you have sex, for the entire time you are having sex (consistently and correctly). Choose a method(s) that works for you. Think about your health history, values, and lifestyle. You have lots of options, like pills, the ring, the shot, the implant, an intrauterine contraceptive, or even spermicides. Get more information by checking out reliable websites (like Planned Parenthood) or attend a sexual health workshop at CSULB in Student Health Services. 

Don’t have sex if you’re drunk or high, you may forget the birth control.

If you have a regular partner, TALK with them so they can support you with your choice of birth control.

STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
Sexually transmitted infections are spread by close physical contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Some ways to keep from getting an STI:
You can abstain from sex until you find a partner you trust 100%. Being in a monogamous relationship with someone you trust. Use condoms correctly and with every partner the entire time you have sexual intercourse. Avoid having sex if you’re drunk or high; it can cloud your judgement and make it harder to use condoms correctly. Get checked for STIs, every time you have a health exam, even if you don’t have symptoms. Get tested more often if you are engaging in sexual behaviors without a condom. Read facts about STIs, so you feel empowered and more knowledgeable. 

Breast Health
Breast cancer occurs in 1 out of 8 women. Early detection of abnormalities is important for more successful outcomes if you do have cancer. If you find a lump, that doesn’t mean it is breast cancer. Women can have breast cysts and other lumps that are not cancer. But only a doctor can check that out to be certain.

Self-Care
Doing a monthly self-check is good so that if you find something abnormal you can get to a doctor for further testing. This is called a self-breast exam. You do this every month, one week after your period has ended. Also, discuss the best way to check your breasts with your health care provider or with a health educator at your school.

Regular Breast Checkups
A manual exam by your health care provider is done to feel for breast abnormalities. All women who have an annual exam will have their breasts examined and it only takes a few seconds.

Mammograms
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast. It is the most useful and accurate screening tool to detect breast cancer. Ask your health care provider how often you should have a mammogram. Most women will start mammograms on an annual basis after age 40. But if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer, it may start earlier.
If you would like further information on any of the topics above or have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact the CSULB Health Resource Center or come to room 268 located in the Student Health Services building.

By Jazzmin Solis

Comments

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