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Here, we asked sexual health experts for their best advice for the newly-minted undergrad.
Savana Ogburn / Refinery29 for Getty Images / Amanda K Bailey
Prioritize pleasure as you explore your sexuality.
Streamingsexy moviescan also be a fun way to discover what youre into.
(To help you get, um, going, heres some moreorgasm inspirationfrom SELF.)
Find out what types of sexual-health support are available on-campus.
The clinic may be taking new patients, or it might be difficult to get an appointment.
If you want to avoid pregnancy, decide on a contraception plan.
Dr. Lincoln recommendsFindMyMethodandBedsider.orgas sites to consult as you start your research.
Understand when to get tested for STIs.
STIscan be an unfortunate part of being sexually active.
Thats true even if you arent engaging in penetrative sex of any kind.
If a test is positive, your health care provider will talk you through your treatment options.
Know how to give and receive consent.
It sucks that we even have to talk about this, but sexual assault regularly happens on college campuses.
LGBTQ+ students are alsoat a higher riskthan their straight peers.
That means that if youre feeling cornered by someone who intimidates you, thats not consent.
Thats also not consensual.
Have a plan for when things dont go according to plan.
Its also important to know theabortion laws in your stateand figure out where the nearest abortion clinic is.
Consider your mental health as a part of your sexual health.
Sexual relationshipsor a lack thereofcan have a major impact on your mental health in college.
Finally, make some friends you dont want to sleep with.
Both Dr. Lincoln and Dr. Mark say that building a community of friends is a form of sexual self-care.
Dr. Phillips recommends joining several on-campus groups or organizations if youre having trouble finding your people.
Additional reporting by Kathryn Watson
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