College is an exciting time for young adults, filled with new experiences and many firsts. One such activity is engaging in casual sex. While it can be a fun experience, staying safe is not always at the top of everyone’s mind.

“There's a lot of stigma and shame sometimes that surround sex which makes it difficult for folks to ask questions,” said Leah Marshall, a counsellor with Fanshawe Counselling and Accessibility Services.

Marshall shared some advice on how to stay safe for those who might not have had the best sexual education.

Preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies

Sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy are some of the top concerns when having casual sex. Besides always using some barrier such as a condom or dental dam, Marshall shared the importance of getting tested and knowing your status.

“Every time we engage with a new partner, we should get tested,” said Marshall. “We want to encourage people to know that it's so much better to know your status and to know what's going on with your body so that you and your partners can both be safe and have an enjoyable experience and not be concerned about STI.”

Staying safe when going out

When going out to a party or new place, looking out for your friends and having plans to check in can help prevent unwanted situations.

“Look out for your friends. It’s always important to have plans with friends about sticking together like checking in on one another or sharing your location with friends.”

According to Marshall, building a community focused on safety is key to helping keep everyone safe

“If you're planning to go out look out for one another because the best way we can create a safer Community is to have each other's backs and to make sure that we try to help keep each other safe.”

The importance of consent

Consent is an important part of sex. You should always ask for consent before doing any activity and respect that no does mean no.

“Consent is an ongoing conversation. Someone can change their mind at any time. Even if I've said yes at the beginning of an encounter.”

An aspect that people regularly ignore but shouldn’t is how consent works when you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

“Consent can't be given under the influence,” Marshall asserted.

You should never feel pressured into doing something you don’t want to do. It’s your body and you have autonomy over it, and if you're drinking, make sure to stay safe.

Available resources

For those who don’t know where to get tested for an STI, there are a few options available.

“We have the Middlesex London Health Unit (MLHU). For our students at our located in London, you can go on to their website and they have clinics every week where students can make appointments or drop in and we also have the Fowler Kennedy Health Center here on campus for students.”

If you need access to safe sex products there are a few low-cost options available.

“The [MLHU] offers free barrier, so condoms and dental dams,” said Marshall. “The other option for students on campus is we do have sexual health vending machines, one in our Student Centre building and then one in the lobby of Falcon House residents, and these are not free, but the cost of these products is very minimal compared to what you would pay in a pharmacy.”

If you have any questions about sex or had a bad experience, you can reach out to Fanshawe’s counselling service.

“I would encourage students that have questions or need support to reach out to counseling and accessibility services and make an appointment.”

Fanshawe’s counseling and accessibility services are open until 7:30 p.m. on weekdays in the fall and can be reached at 519-452-4282 or counselling@fanshawec.ca.