Every other fall, the University of Idaho participates in the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (NCHA). The NCHA survey provides key insight about what is happening on our campus in regard to student health. The most recent survey, conducted in 2017, found that about half of University of Idaho students were sexually active. According to the NCHA survey, 51% of UI students had vaginal sex within the past 30 days. Of those who had vaginal sex, only 42% used a condom. When properly used, condoms greatly reduce the risk of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. When it comes to sexual activity, everyone has different experiences. Many students choose not to have sex. If you do choose to engage in sexually activity, do your part to protect the Vandal Family from the spread of STIs.
U of I students have access to a variety of free safer sex supplies on campus. Four discrete on-campus locations provide students with access to condoms and other supplies. The SRC Well Space is one of those locations and provides a variety of safer sex supplies like internal and external condoms, nonlatex condoms, flavored dental dams, and waterbased lube. VHE also has instructions for how to use each of the different materials provided. Students can access these supplies at the SRC Well Space – open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday – no questions asked! Don’t know where the Well Space is located? No problem! It is easy to find inside the SRC, directly to the left as you enter through the main doors.
VHE also provides and stocks five condom dispensers in various locations on campus. Condom dispensers are located in the Wallace basement and the men’s and women’s restrooms at the LLC Information Desk. Two new dispensers are coming soon to Theophilus Tower and McConnell hall. Additionally, the Women’s Center is open to all students regardless of gender identity and provides free external and internal condoms, dental dams, lube, and pregnancy tests. Students can also access condoms and pregnancy tests at the Student Health Clinic, currently located at 2500 West “A” Street (behind Walmart).
According to the NCHA survey, 47% of UI students had oral sex within the past 30 days. However, only 3% of those students used a protective barrier. STIs can still be contracted with oral sex, so it’s important to stay protected. Dental dams are a great way to effectively reduce the risk of contracting an STI while engaging in oral sex. But what is a dental dam? A dental dam is a rectangular, latex protective barrier that can be used to reduce the risk of spreading STIs between partners. If you do not have a dental dam, it is easy to make one! A male condom can be cut from opening to tip to form a rectangular barrier. It is important to remember to discard any protective barriers after each use.
If you are sexually active, consider utilizing the SRC Well Space, Wallace basement, LLC Information desk restrooms, the Women’s Center, and the Student Health Clinic for free condoms and other safer sex supplies to stop the spread of STIs. More information about contraception, STIs and pregnancy, gynecological information and various online sexual health resources can be found at www.uidaho.edu/ sexualhealth. Wrap it up and stay safe!