University Sex Survival Kit - Tips for Freshers
Read about the author Megan Barnett
Starting University can be quite daunting for many as it ticks off a whole list of firsts: first time living away from home, first time looking after yourself, and for many students University will be the first time they have sex.
According to the 6th annual Felix Survey for Imperial, students starting University having never had sexual intercourse before varies from course to course. The survey (2016) found that Business School students were the most inexperienced with 29% of those being virgins, while Materials students were the most sexually active with just 7% of students having not had sex.
The younger generation have the most sexual advice and information on offer, far more than even ten years ago, and yet they seem to be the least sexually informed group within society. A new report on Sex and Relationships Education, entitled Shh… No Talking launched by Terrence Higgins Trust (2016) found that this generation of young people have been taught poor SRE that is infrequent, low quality and almost never LGBT inclusive.
They found that from over 900 young people aged 16-24, 75% had not been taught about consent, 95% had not learned about LGBT sex and relationships, 89% were not taught about sex and pleasure and 97% missed out on any discussion around gender identity. Where SRE is being taught, it is often outdated and not relevant for today’s young people who turn to the internet for their information
Whatever your experience, it’s really important to take your sexual health seriously, so it’s time to get clued up about sexual health and pleasure with our top tips
Wrap up!
We’ve all seen those viral videos of girls adorning condoms on their limbs, but getting the right fit for condom sizing is really important. If a condom is too small, it’s going to hurt your fella, and if it’s too big it’s going to fall off, leading to a risk in pregnancy and exposure to STIs.
A worrying 75% of students in the Felix survey admitted that the were less likely to use a condom during a one night stand, and 44% of students admitted to never taking an STI test, which is a scary statistic!
A survey conducted by The River (2017) revealed that 83 per cent of Kingston University students rarely or never get tested for STIs, despite 69 per cent of students knowing that the university offers sexual health services
An even scarier statistic the survey found was that 20% of Medics used the pulling out method as contraception, which is in no way a fool-proof method of contraception.
Skins condoms come in a range of sizes and styles to accommodate for everyone, so be mindful when you’re getting hot and heavy.
Wetter is better!
There seems to be a general assumption through social and mainstream media and porn that younger women do not need to use vaginal lubrication because they’re always aroused and ready for sex. Many of their partners think that they are not aroused if they don’t become wet during sex and view a lack of self-lubrication as a problem.
Often younger women are taking part in sexual acts they don’t enjoy or are just not ready for sex
Some medications such as antidepressants, anthistamines and the contraceptive pill can impact upon your vaginal lubrication and so using a good sexual lubricant can enhance your sex play.
It’s important to get lubricant savvy, however, if you want to stay safe. Only use products that are designed as a sexual lubricant to protect your sexual health and pleasure. Grabbing that cheap bottle of baby oil or olive oil from the kitchen could lead to an unpleasant itch or bout of thrush post coitlly.
If you’re using condoms, stick to water or silicone based lubes. Never use Vaseline. If you’re using silicone sex toys, pick water or oil based products. This is because oil based lubricants melt and damage condoms, and silicone lubricants create a tacky texture on silicone sex toys.
Enjoy feel good vibes!
If you’ve never used a sex toy before but want to enhance your sexual pleasure, then start off small. Bullet vibes and slim vibrators are great as they are super discreet but do the job nicely.
The Rocks-Off Slinky Pinky is a two-in-one sex toy, it’s silicone sleeve is suitable for internal use, teasing your G-Spot and externally for precise clitoral stimulation. You can remove the sleeve and relish in the fuller buzz of the RO-80mm bullet for clitoral stimulation or on the head and shaft of the penis.
It’s really important that you store your sex toys properly to keep them hygienic. Some come with a satin bag to protect them, or if you have the space then you can simply keep them in their packaging. You can keep them clean really easily too, by either using soap and water or a specifically designed cleaning formula
Sharing is caring!
Cock rings are great as they come in a versatile range of designs that suit anyone’s budget. Available in vibrating and non-vibrating styles, cock rings enhance his erection by restricting the blood flow, engorging his penis and making him last longer.
Rocks Off Rudy Rings are a great place to start. With a simple design, you can double up or have some tear and share fun. They’re fully waterproof too so you can have fun experimenting in your en suite!
The Screaming O Combo includes a stretchy two-sided cock ring and comfortable fingertip sleeve – both made of body-safe waterproof silicone.
Each kit includes a Screaming O Charged Vooom Bullet vibe powered by a unique 10-function low-pitch motor that rumbles rather than buzzes for a deeper sensation and the two easy-to-use attachments.
Get real about your sexual health!
The Felix survey revealed that 21% of students get an STI test when they change sexual partners, with 19% admitting that they only got tested if they were concerned about their new partner’s sexual health.
STIs can lead to a whole host of health implications, and can even affect your fertility in later life. University Medical Centres offer a wide range of services, so it’s important to get serious and go see your doctor regularly for sexual health check ups.
COVID-19 Advice
This is new advice released by Terrance Higgins Trust ( August 2020) about sex whilst managing COVID-19 risk and social distancing. The full statement can be found on their website.
“While stating that you or someone in your household is the best choice of consensual sexual partner, the new guidance includes practical advice like sticking with one partner or as few partners as possible. It’s also clear that if either person is feeling unwell, then they shouldn’t have sex.
Other tips include avoiding kissing, wearing a face mask and favouring positions where you’re not face-to-face, as well as using condoms or dams for oral sex and rimming.
There’s also information about the importance of thinking about sexual health before starting to have sex again. That includes the strong recommendation of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections before starting to have sex again”.
Useful Websites
Family Planning Association : www.fpa.org.uk
British Pregnancy Advisory Service: www.bpas.org
Sexpressions UK : www.sexpression.org.uk
British Association for Sexual Health and HIV : www.bashh.org
Sexual Advice Association : www.sexualadviceassociation.co.uk
Brook : www.brook.org.uk
College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists : www.cosrt.org.uk
Relate : www.relate.org.uk
LGBT Foundation : www.lgbt.foundation
Terrance Higgins Trust : www.tht.org.uk
Stonewall : www.stonewall.org.uk
56 Dean Street : www.chelwest.nhs.uk/services/hiv-sexual-health/clinics/56-dean-street