Gone are the days of sitting awkwardly in Sex Ed class watching an unqualified PE teacher put a condom on a banana. These days, the internet is a veritable cornucopia of sex advice and kink shaming. As with most of the freedoms the internet offers, it can get a little overwhelming and you can end up choosing the facts you want and eventually self-diagnosing something that yogurt and holy water can’t cure. So instead we decided to go straight to the source and get some answers to our questions by our very own Student Health Clinical Nurse Manager, Jo Thomas.
Nexus: Does stigma still exist for getting checked?
Jo: In some groups yes, but not so much. In fact, people expect you to get checked. Student Health is a non-judgemental space.
Nexus: How often should students be getting checked?
Jo: You should be getting a check every three months if you’re having sex with multiple people. We also recommend an annual check for young people who are having sex even if they have not had a change in partner.
Nexus: How soon should students get checked if they slept with someone without a condom?
Jo: You should wait 14 days after having unprotected sex before getting a test. It can take this long for the bugs to show up in the test. If you have symptoms such as unusual discharge or pain then come in sooner. The test is simple. People with a penis only need to pee in a cup and people with a vagaina can do their own vaginal swab. This checks for chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomonas. A throat swab and anorectal swab are also recomended if receiving oral or anal sex. A blood test can check for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis. It’s best to wait three months after unprotected sex before getting a blood test as HIV can take up to 3 months to show up in a test.
Nexus: What does it mean to be sexually healthy?
Jo: Being sexually healthy is more than just being free of STIs or unplanned pregnancy. It’s also about consent and safety, and being sexual in a way that is right for you.
Nexus: Are there sexual health trend concerns in your sector?
Jo: There are a lot of STIs around; gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomonas. Also, syphilis is common. Rates of genital warts have reduced because of the HPV/Gardasil vaccine. This vaccine is free for NZ residents aged under 27. If you have not had your HPV/Gardasil vaccines, book an appointment with a Student Health Nurse.
Nexus: Is there an incline or decline in STI’s. Why might that be?
Jo: Updated statistics are not currently available. Due to COVID these have not been released yet. There is always a natural ebb and flow of STIs seen in the community.
Nexus: How is getting checked made comfortable for male and females?
Jo: Student Health offers FAST (free, accessible, self testing) checks for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Just go to the student health reception and ask for a FAST check, then you can do your own test in the bathroom. Also a pop-up FAST check station is being trialed at Student Village Lounge 2. If you have symptoms though, it is best to be examined by a nurse or doctor that you trust in privacy. Your nurse or doctor will explain exactly what the examination will include and answer any questions.
Nexus: Have you seen the effects of purity culture on sexual attitudes?
Jo: In certain groups, yes. However, more people are making their own decisions around their sexual activity and choices. Every person has the right to make their own choice, whether that is abstinence until marriage or choosing to have sex. We don’t assume everyone is having sex, there are plenty of people at University who are not having sex. Evidence suggests delaying sexual debut is linked to positive health outcomes.
Nexus: Alongside check-ups, is our University a safe space for discussing sexual abuse?
Jo: Yes, it should be. Find a person that you trust, such as a health professional – nurse or GP or counsellor to talk to. The University has support in place for people who have experienced sexual abuse or trauma. It is important to follow this through, to gain healing and to be able to live your life to the full.
Nexus: Do genital piercings increase the risk of infection?
Jo: Blinging genitalia is risky. Problems with genital piercings can include scarring, trauma, nerve damage, peeing problems plus more. Unfortunately, your risk of getting an infection increases too. Local skin infections can develop and your risk of catching an STI is increased. Condoms can be damaged with piercings so your risk of pregnancy and getting an STI are higher. If you’re thinking of getting a Prince Albert just keep in mind that piercings can take up to two months to heal. To reduce your risk of complications, see a reputable piercer. Don’t do this at home. You will need to avoid sex, swimming and excessive touching until the area is well healed.
Nexus: Are there actually exercises that can make you better in bed or are kegels useless?
Jo: Pelvic floor exercises are helpful to maintain and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles which can help prevent incontinence or prolapse in later life, so they are not useless.
Nexus: What is the best sexual health advice you can give?
Jo: Respect, consent, condoms every time. Contraception; long acting contraception such as implants and IUDs are most effective. Get regular checkups.
