Sexual well-being Sexual well-being is more than reducing exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or avoiding pregnancy. It also means feeling empowered to make choices and gain knowledge about your sexual health and identity. It means having the confidence and skills to express sensuality and engage in intimacy that makes you feel safe and good. In its broadest sense, sexual well-being describes the whole way a person expresses themselves as a sexual being. Sexual expression is a very important component in a person’s life; the way we choose to behave sexually is as individual and complicated as the ways we choose to dress or earn a living. Human sexuality rarely falls into neat categories or simple labelling; it is a rich and complex area of the human experience. Sexual Wellbeing Resources What is sexual well-being? According to Options for Sexual Health, sexuality involves many aspects of being human. The four major components of sexuality are sensuality, intimacy and relationships, gender/sexual identity and sexual health. Each of these components is influenced by an individual’s values, culture, experience, and spirituality. Understanding our sexuality fosters and encourages the development of good relationships throughout our lives, both with ourselves and others. It is important to approach sexual well-being from a positive and respectful place, to ensure pleasurable and safer sexual experiences that are free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The college years are a time of tremendous transition and growth, which can include learning about sexuality. Students make a lot of decisions about their sexuality during this time, including whether to abstain from sexual intercourse or to become, or to continue being, sexually active. You may find yourself exploring the gender of your partners, considering the type of contraception to use and navigating the intensity of relationships. Alternatively, you may choose to forgo relationships altogether and instead look for “friends with benefits” or the occasional hookup. Although it might seem like everyone is doing it, the truth is plenty of students aren’t. While the hookup culture in college is becoming more common you should not feel pressure to engage in intimacy. Never let others push you into doing anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe – the first time and every time after. When engaging in sexual activity: Make decisions you’re comfortable with. Talk to the other person(s) about safer sex practices, such as getting tested for STIs and birth control options. Talk openly and honestly about your fears, worries and feelings. You have the right to retract consent no matter how long you’ve been with someone or how many times you’ve done something. You have control over your own body and no one else has the right to tell you what to do with it. Sexually transmitted infections Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infectious diseases that can spread from one person to another through many types of sexual contact. Prevention, which includes talking about safer sex with every sexual partner, is very important. Many STIs don’t show signs or symptoms at first, therefore it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your sexual partner. Get tested regularly! Early detection can help you reduce or avoid health complications and can help minimize the spread of STIs to others. It is also important to note that people living with an STI can still have healthy, happy sex lives. Some general tips for reducing your STI risk include: Choosing lower-risk sexual activities that do not involve fluid exchange, such as hugging, massage or masturbation. Becoming comfortable exploring your genitals for any changes, including sores, discharge or unusual odors. Getting tested and treated (if needed) for STIs regularly. Considering a reduction in your substance use during sexual activity. Drinking and using drugs lowers your ability to make clear decisions and make safer choices. Ensuring sex toys are clean before use, consider using a condom with them or not sharing them. Considering available vaccinations or pre-exposure medication for STIs. Trying to always use protection such as condom or dental dam. Things to discuss with sexual partners: Have you ever had sex with someone before? Have you ever had unprotected sex with someone before? Are we monogamous? Have you ever had an STI? When did you last have an STI test? Do you have any symptoms of an STI? Have you ever shared drug paraphernalia? How do you feel about sex (emotionally, physically, and spiritually)? How do you feel about contraceptives? Keep in mind your sexual partner may not know they have an STI as they may not have symptoms. It can also be valuable to discuss values, boundaries, expectations and knowledge of STIs with your sexual partner(s) before having sex. Not sure how to have these conversations? Smart Sex Resource.com has some great tips on starting these awkward but important conversations. I’m Ready to Know (Self-testing HIV Kits) We are proud partners of the I’m Ready To Know national project that is implementing, scaling-up and evaluating low-barrier options for access to HIV self-testing. Test kits can be delivered to your home or CHWC is a designated pick-up hub. Download the app and then visit the CHWC asking for an I’m Ready Pick-Up Appointment and you will be scheduled a quick anonymous and confidential consultation with our laboratory services. Contraceptives Contraception, sometimes referred to as birth control, is used to prevent pregnancy. There are many options and it is important that when considering which one(s) to use, you review all potential risks and benefits with a health-care provider. A comprehensive guide to explore hormonal, non-hormonal, natural methods and emergency contraceptives was developed by The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada in partnership with sexandu.ca. Condoms are the only form of contraception that will reduce the likelihood of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and unplanned pregnancy. There are two forms available, external condoms (sometimes referred to as male condoms) and internal condoms (sometimes referred to as female condoms). It is important to always use a new condom when you switch between oral, anal or vaginal sex. Lubricant is very important as using a water-based lubricant for vaginal or anal sex helps reduce the risk of the condom breaking. Learn how to use a condom. Pregnancy Finding out you’re pregnant Finding out that you are pregnant can be a life-changing moment. Whether the pregnancy is expected or unexpected, you may have questions about your options, what type of help is available and what the impact of a pregnancy could be on your college education. Visiting DC’s Campus Health and Wellness Centre or a sexual health clinic can confirm your pregnancy through urine/ blood tests as well as provide resources about your options moving forward. It’s important to remember, pregnancy and parenting do not need to deter you from continuing your educational goals. When you are pregnant, you have the right to access factual, caring and non-judgmental information and services related to all three of your options: abortion, adoption and parenting. It’s an important decision to make so you may wish to seek guidance from others. This can include a health-care provider, partner, friend or family member. Each of us has our own needs for privacy and for emotional, physical, economic and spiritual support. When seeking support it is important that the person is: Knowledgeable and able to provide information or referrals. Non-judgmental. Supportive of whatever you decide. Whoever you talk to, you should never feel coerced or forced to make a decision that is not your own. What to expect if you’re pregnant Pregnancy will be different for everyone; some normal feelings can include: Mixed emotions of excitement and disappointment about having a baby. Feeling like the pregnancy is not really happening. Less or more interest in sex. Being worried that something is wrong. Being worried about labour and birth. Feeling lonely or isolated. Increased anxiety or depression Being tired and uncomfortable. Pregnancy sometimes includes nausea and vomiting, often starting in the early weeks. This can make it difficult to attend class. It is important during this time that you find a balance between your academic studies and your well-being. Some ways you can take care of yourself include: Taking time to relax. Getting enough sleep. Eating a healthy diet. Being physically active. Building a support network. Sexual Wellbeing Resources On Campus EDI Office Learn More The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is dedicated to ensuring that Durham College employees and students feel welcomed and supported on our vibrant campus by providing a variety diverse and comprehensive programs designed to foster both academic, professional, and social growth. Durham College employees are encouraged to visit the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page on ICE. Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program Learn More CBT and related approaches can be accessed through the Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program for the following conditions: Post Traumatic Stress, unexpected panic attacks, agoraphobic fears, depression and low mood Wellness Coaching Learn More Wellness coaching offers students a supportive space to explore values, relationships, and boundaries. It empowers them to make informed choices, build confidence, and prioritize well-being in their sexual lives, focusing on communication, consent, and self-discovery. DC Student Association Support Hub DC Student Association Support Hub Off Campus Sex and U: From talking about sex to lifestyle choices, contraception awareness and sexually transmitted infections, Sex and U provides accurate, credible and up-to-date information and education on topics related to sexual and reproductive health. Scarleteen: Providing “sex-ed for the real world” advice, Scarleteen is an inclusive, comprehensive and supportive resource about sexuality and relationships. sexualhealthontario.ca: Sexual and reproductive healthcare and education. Durham’s Sexual Health Clinic: Durham’s Sexual Health Clinic provides one-on-one confidential appointments and you do not need your health card. Services include access to free condoms and low-cost birth control, pregnancy tests and pregnancy options counselling, STI testing and free STI treatments, as well as vaccinations. hivnow.ca: Developed by AIDS Committee of Toronto, HIV Now provides sexual health education and awareness on HIV-related stigma and discrimination; gay, bi, and queer discussions about the changing reality of HIV in Toronto; up-to-date information about PrEP, undetectable viral load, HIV testing guidelines, and criminalization of HIV non-disclosure. Women’s Care Clinic: Women’s Care Clinic provides quality reproductive services in the Greater Toronto Area, including abortion care accredited by the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and which follows NAF guidelines/standards in quality care. Planned Parenthood Toronto: Planned Parenthood Toronto is a fully accredited community health centre that provides primary, sexual and mental health care services to youth between the ages of 13 and 29. A focus on pro-choice, inclusive, youth-friendly, and LGBTQ-positive.
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