Reproductive health care is often discussed in relation to female health, but it's highly important for both sexes. The World Health Organization defines reproductive health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes." This state of well-being means everyone should be able to have a safe and healthy sex life, both physically and emotionally. It also implies people can choose if and when they want to do so. The ability to have safe sex means avoiding sexually transmitted infections, unintended or unwanted pregnancy, and engaging in consensual sexual activities. Reproductive health care isn't just a women's issue or something straight couples need to consider. Avoiding sexually transmitted infections and engaging in consensual sex is important for everyone, including men, trans people, same-sex partners, people in long-term monogamous relationships, and even those who are infrequently sexually active or only engage in oral sex. Contraception Access to a variety of contraceptives is one of the most important components of reproductive health. They help prevent pregnancy, and some, like condoms, protect you from herpes, HIV, and other STIs. Different Types of Contraceptives Barrier Methods: Protect from STIs and pregnancy in some cases External condoms (protects against pregnancy) Internal condoms (protects against pregnancy) Dental dam Sterile gloves
Birth Control: Only protect against pregnancy Pill Patch Ring Shot Implant IUD - hormonal or copper with no hormones Diaphragm or cervical cap Birth control sponge Spermicide Emergency Contraception: Need to be used within five days of unprotected sex and prevents pregnancy BEFORE it occurs Some IUDs (works up to 5 days later) ella morning after pill Most effective pill, works up to 5 days Need a prescription Planned Parenthood recommends using KwikMed for a fast consultation and next-day delivery here Levonorgestrel pill which you can buy over the counter in most pharmacies Planned Parenthood offers comprehensive guides on different types of birth control and contraceptives, and on emergency contraception and how to access it quickly. Healthline also provides a guide on safe sex for LGBTQIA+ people, although this resource is also highly useful for any college student. The Healthline guide includes explanations on how to use male and female condoms, dental dams, and gloves or finger cots to have safer sex. STI Testing and Prevention We covered the importance of condoms, dental dams, and other barriers in the contraceptives section. However, another crucial piece of reproductive health is preventing sexually transmitted infections. While condoms and other barrier methods do protect you, one of the most important things you can do is get tested and have your partner get tested. Getting tested for STIs regularly is critical for sexually active people with more than one partner or those who are having unprotected sex. Having honest conversations about who else you're having sex with and how often you're tested with partners allows both people to make informed choices about their sex life. If the health center at your school doesn't offer testing, take a look at Healthline's guide for information by state, including free, low-cost, and LGBTQ-friendly testing sites in each state. Abortion Despite the Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade, abortion remains an essential part of reproductive health care. Legal issues surrounding access to abortion will continue to play out in state courts as states ban, restrict, or expand access, and those laws are challenged. Students should be aware of the legal restrictions on abortion in the state they go to school in and the state they are a resident of. The New York Times is keeping an updated list of abortion laws by state. Depending on where you live and go to school, you may be able to access the abortion pill, called mifepristone, which can be prescribed through a telehealth appointment. Although some states are trying to limit access even to abortion pills, the FDA may take measures in the near future to ensure access across the country. This issue will also likely be worked out in the courts over the next few years. Sexual Education Sex ed is the cornerstone of reproductive health. Students need to know all of this information to make informed choices about their bodies and their futures. Info on STIs and pregnancy prevention are two of the main components of sex ed. The other is one that often gets left out of the conversation: consent. A lack of awareness or understanding of how consent works, why it's important, how to ask for it, and how to give it leads to more unwanted sexual encounters, including rape. Sexual assault and rape are already huge issues on college campuses. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics show forcible sex offenses are the most common type of crime on campus.  It negatively impacts men, women, trans, nonbinary students, same-sex and opposite-sex couples, those in monogamous relationships, people who are married, and anyone who is sexually active.  One of the most important things you can do is learn about consent and its role in healthy relationships and safe sex. Healthline has a great guide on consent, including how to ask for it, what it sounds and looks like, and consent when alcohol is involved.