College Students and Sexual Health

One of the most empowering choices you can make as a student is to take care of yourself—both mentally and physically. Part of that, though it might be less talked about, is your sexual health. During the time of your life when you are changing, growing, gaining independence and learning about yourself, it’s more important than ever to understand your options, prioritize your wellness, know how to access contraceptives and use your resources as a student. 

We’re covering some basics here so you can thrive as a student and beyond. 

Contraceptives 

Condoms

Barrier methods of contraception, like condoms or dental dams, can be extremely useful ways to prevent both pregnancy and STIs. These methods can reduce (though not entirely eliminate) the risk of STIs, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis.

Hormonal methods

Hormonal medications and devices use hormones to prevent pregnancy, and can be highly effective. Examples include oral birth control pills, injectable birth control shots, a vaginal ring or a birth control patch. 

Intrauterine or implantable devices

Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) includes copper or hormonal IUDs and can last between three and 12 years. This protection from pregnancy is considered the lowest-maintenance option. 

Emergency contraception

Some people call this “Plan B” or “the morning after pill.” This option is available to reduce pregnancy risk for those whose barrier methods have failed or when contraception wasn’t used. 

Accessing contraception 

Students are often either embarrassed to seek out contraception or fear they might not be able to afford it. Access is easier than it seems, and very important to living a healthy life for anyone who is sexually active. 

TTU Student Health is a clinic that offers appointments—even specialty appointments—sometimes even faster than you can get an appointment in the community. Student Health offers a 40% discount on most services for uninsured patients, or students can purchase AHP insurance and get everything offered in the Student Health building fully covered. 

Here, you can get routine sexual healthcare, annual exams, STI testing and more. You can also access many kinds of birth control at the clinic—at little or no cost, depending on what kind of contraception you’re looking for. 

Make an appointment

TTU Student Health offers a supportive and safe environment that is free of judgment and there to help you. 

Located at the Texas Tech University Student Wellness Center at the corner of Flint and Main Street in Lubbock, TTU Student Health Services is a valuable resource for any student at TTU or TTUHSC. 

For those who are no longer students, sexual health is just as crucial for overall health. Providers at Texas Tech Physicians are available to keep your sexual health prioritized. Book an appointment today. 

To ensure accurate and reliable information, this post was thoughtfully reviewed and co-written by Erika Radford, M.D.