There are lots of things that sex should be such as fun, pleasurable, exciting, respectful and consensual, but one thing sex should never be is scary. Our goal, therefore, is to empower you with the information you need in order to feel confident about looking after your body and engaging in healthy, safe sexual relationships should you choose to do so.
There are lots of things that sex should be such as fun, pleasurable, exciting, respectful and consensual, but one thing sex should never be is scary. Our goal, therefore, is to empower you with the information you need in order to feel confident about looking after your body and engaging in healthy, safe sexual relationships should you choose to do so.
Contraception: Be passionate about protection!
On first glance contraception lacks sex appeal, but did you know that there are up to 14 different contraceptive methods, some of which are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy and can also protect you from Sexually Transmitted Infections? We think that’s very sexy indeed.
We have gone into detail about some options below, but you can find a comprehensive list on the NHS website:
Male Condoms or Internal (female) condoms-
What is it? Condoms are barrier devices that reduce the likelihood of pregnancy or STIs. Male condoms are worn externally over the penis, while internal condoms are inserted into the vagina or anus.
How do I use it? How to put a condom on | NHS + How to use an internal condom | Terence Higgins Trust
How effective is it? When used correctly, external condoms are up to 98% effective at preventing pregnancy and internal condoms are up to 95% effective. However, improper use can reduce their effectiveness.
Condoms are the only contraceptive method that help to prevent the transmission of STIs.
Is there anything I should be aware of? If you have a latex allergy or are currently using an antifungal medicine in the genital area, it’s important to have a read of the packaging before using a condom to select a latex-free option. (We know- they never show this part in the movies, and it may seem like a mood killer, but you’ll thank us later!)
Where/how can I get it whilst studying at RHUL?
- The Advice Centre- We provide free external condoms in discreet packages which can be picked up from the first floor of the Students’ Union building, no questions asked!
- You can buy condoms from supermarkets, pharmacies and convenience stores. Jays Pharmacy is a 20-minute walk from campus.
- If you’re aged 13-24, you can make use of the C-Card scheme- ‘a free and confidential condom-distribution network’.
- Freedoms shop- an online shop selling sexual health products and STI kits at a low price as part of the NHS (products delivered in discreet packaging right to your door!)
“The pill” and “the mini pill”
What is it?
The combined pill (‘the pill’): The combined pill contains the hormones oestrogen and progestogen. Available in two main ways, it can either be taken daily (the pill packet contains the addition of “dummy pills” without any hormones) or taken for 21 days with a 7-day break period where no pills are taken.
The progestogen-only pill (‘mini pill’): The progestogen-only pill contains the hormone progestogen exclusively. Packs contain 28 pills, and these are taken every day without a break.
How effective is it? Both pills are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy although missing pills can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
Is there anything I should be aware of? Both pills may pose risk factors for certain individuals and therefore, are not suitable for everyone- visit the NHS website to read more about this.
Hormonal birth control pills may impact upon your periods, lessen or worsen menstrual cramps and in the case of the combined pill, cause high blood pressure. There is also some suggestion that the pill causes other side effects so it’s a good idea to speak to a medical professional before starting to take the combined or progestogen-only pill.
Where/how can I get it whilst studying at RHUL?
- GP surgeries can offer contraceptive advice, support and guidance and provide you with the combined/mini pill or refer you to a pharmacy who can provide it to you. If you’re living locally, you will be eligible to register with the Clarence Medical Centre (GP Surgery on campus). Otherwise, you can find the details of your local GP HERE.
- You can get both the combined pill and the mini pill without a prescription from a local pharmacy. Jays Pharmacy is a 20-minute walk from campus. Alternatively, you can use this SEARCH TOOL on the NHS Website to find your nearest pharmacy that offers contraceptive pills without a prescription.
- Visit a sexual health clinic - find your closest clinic HERE.
An IUD or an IUS (Copper/hormonal coil)
What is it?
An intrauterine device (‘the copper coil’): A non-hormonal device, small in size and shaped like a ‘T’. It is inserted into the vagina and sits in the uterus. It works instantly, lasting for either 5 or 10 years depending on the type.
An intrauterine system (‘the hormonal coil’): Also small, T-shaped and inserted into the uterus. However, an IUS releases the hormone progestogen. Provided the intrauterine system is fitted in the first five days of your cycle, then you will be protected against pregnancy instantly. It lasts for either 3 years or 8 years dependent on the type.
How effective is it?
Both the IUD and IUS are over 99% effective when fitted/placed correctly.
Is there anything I should be aware of? Both of these devices can cause increased menstrual cramps, irregular bleeding and even chronic thrush. The copper coil is said to cause heavier and longer periods whilst the hormonal coil may make periods lighter, shorter and in some cases, stop them altogether. However, the hormonal coil may have other side effects. It’s important to do your research before deciding which coil is right for you or speak to a medical professional for some advice.
Where/how can I get it whilst studying at RHUL?
- Some GP surgeries can offer contraceptive advice, support and guidance (including the fitting of an IUD/IUS). If you’re living locally, you will be eligible to register with the Clarence Medical Centre (GP Surgery on campus). Otherwise, you can find the details to contact your local GP HERE
- Visit a sexual health clinic - find your closest clinic HERE.
- Call the National Sexual Health Helpline on 03001237123 for some more information.
You can find out more about other contraceptive methods via the links below:
+ The implant +Contraceptive injection +Contraceptive patch +Vaginal ring +Diaphragm or cap +Natural family planning +Emergency pill (morning after pill)
STIs: ‘Shake It Off’ and revel in the ‘Afterglow’
It’s advisable to get tested for Sexually Transmitted infections every 6 months if you have multiple sexual partners, or annually if you have one. We understand that, unless you have symptoms, it’s easy for this to slip your mind, particularly as it’s not most people’s idea of a fun day out. However, it’s important to remember that lots of STIs have very few, if any, noticeable symptoms yet can be detrimental if left untreated. One way of thinking about it is this:
Having sex without getting tested for STIs is like driving a car without an MOT – you may not notice there’s anything wrong but you’re still taking a significant risk with your health and the health of others on the road with you!
So, set a reminder on your phone or make a note in your diary as this is one appointment that should not be missed!
How do I get tested?
- You can pick up free STI test kits from the Advice Centre, The Union Shop or Jay’s Pharmacy on Egham High Street.
- Through your GP surgery or a referral to a sexual health clinic from your GP. If you’re living locally, you will be eligible to register with the Clarence Medical Centre (GP Surgery on campus) who offer full sexual health history and screening (including HIV testing and counselling, chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing). Otherwise, you can find the details to contact your local GP HERE
- Visit a sexual health clinic - find your closest clinic HERE.
- Call the National Sexual Health Helpline on 03001237123 for some more information.
What next? Although a positive STI test may be overwhelming and upsetting it’s important to remember that, for the most part, they’re highly treatable and very common! In 2023 there were 401,800 diagnoses of new STIs! So, if you receive a positive test, you’re not alone!
STIs can generally be treated with a full course of antibiotics which will be prescribed by a doctor/nurse at your GP/sexual health clinic. During this time, where possible, you should notify your previous sexual partner/s to encourage them to get tested.
Consent and Reporting: Your body, your choice, your voice
Consent is an integral part of any healthy sexual relationship. We like the Planned Parenthood FRIES acronym:
Freely given – without influence, coercion or force
Reversible- it's okay to change your mind at any time and this should be respected regardless of your relationship to the other person or anything you’ve previously said or done
Informed- full understanding of what you’re agreeing to
Enthusiastic- agreeing because you ‘want’ to rather than because you feel you should
Specific- consent should not be assumed on account of previous behaviour and should be respectful of any expressed boundaries and limitations
Unfortunately, not all sexual relationships are healthy. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that you know where to find support when you need it.
What support is available? If you have concerns about a relationship, a sexual encounter or sexual health, please reach out to the university’s Wellbeing team for support and guidance, they will listen to your concerns, provide non-clinical advice and refer you to relevant support services where necessary. Additionally, the wellbeing provision at the university includes professionally trained counsellors who can support you through any difficulties you are facing. Please find more information about this service HERE.
If you have concerns and you’d like to make an anonymous or a named report about an issue of sexual harassment, assault or misconduct you can use the RH Be Heard reporting system available on the RHUL Student Intranet.
If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual harm or sexual violence please find more information HERE on what to do in an emergency and the support available to you whilst studying at RHUL.
Remember, you can always reach out to an advisor for support and if we’re not the best people to help you we will point you in the right direction.