Being away at college is exciting. You’re on your own, and you can make your own rules. But, although it may seem like it, college isn’t all fun and games. Protecting your overall health and wellness should be a priority—including your sexual health.
Ten percent of college-aged individuals carry a sexually transmitted infection (STI), whether they know it or not. Jane Balbo, DO, a Family Physician at OhioHealth Campus Care Ohio University, shares how to be responsible when you’re sexually active, and why it’s not something you should be embarrassed by.
What to know about getting tested
Whether you’ve recently become sexually active or not, college is a perfect time to prioritize your sexual health. This can look different for everyone, from STI testing to learning about birth control options, but talking to a medical provider is always your best bet. STI screenings are much more reliable than Google or TikTok when it comes to getting a diagnosis.
“If a person is in a high STI setting, like young adults or college students, they may need to get screened more often.” Says Dr. Balbo. But don’t worry, there’s no reason to fear the screening process. Dr. Balbo explains that these appointments start with a confidential conversation and may include throat, genital or anal swabs or a urine test. She assures that most swabbing can be done on your own. In fact, self-collected swabs are often more effective at detecting STIs.
Here are some symptoms to watch for when you’re sexually active:
- Urinary pain and/or difficulties
- Genital discharge
- Changes in vaginal discharge (odor, color, texture or frequency)
- Sore throat
- Pain or blood with pooping
It’s important to be aware of STI symptoms, but you should also consider getting screened even without them. “Most STIs have no symptoms,” Dr. Balbo shares. “We recommend screening the body parts you use for sex at least once a year.”
Birth control is sexual health
Sexual health isn’t just getting tested for STIs. Having open and honest conversations with your provider is equally important. The OhioHealth Campus Care clinic in Athens offers a multitude of birth control options, including implants, IUDs, pills, rings, patches and condoms. Your provider may also refer you to an OB-GYN. Sexual health websites, like Bedsider.org, can also provide valuable information and resources.
Preventative birth control is essential, but accidents happen. Emergency contraceptives can be effective, especially if advised or administered by your provider. Dr. Balbo says the most effective emergency contraception is getting a copper IUD inserted within five days of unprotected sex.
More commonly known over-the-counter emergency contraceptives, like Plan B, may be less effective or not work at all, depending on your body weight or BMI. It’s important to know if Plan B will be effective for you when using it as emergency contraception. For more information, refer to PlannedParenthood.org.
Condoms are helpful for both birth control and STI prevention, but they aren’t always reliable. Especially when it comes to transmitting infections, Dr. Balbo advises caution. “The parts of the body that are covered by the condom can be protected, but other parts of the body won’t be,” she explains. “They can reduce the risk of a lot of STIs, but they’re not going to prevent them all.”
At the end of the day, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be afraid to talk to your provider about birth control options, and keep an open line of conversation with your sexual partner before and after sex.
Your care is confidential
It’s completely normal to be hesitant to visit a clinic for sexual health reasons. Whether you are worried about what they might say or worried your parents may find out, you have to put your safety first. Both the OhioHealth Campus Care clinic and Planned Parenthood offer payment plans for individuals who either don’t have insurance or prefer not to use it.
If you need to use your parent or guardian’s insurance, don’t worry. While your parent or guardian may see that you visited a clinic, they won’t see the reason for the visit. You can also contact your insurance company and request that the “explanation of benefits” statements be sent directly to you, rather than the insurance owner.
Ultimately, your health is the most critical priority. If you need to have a difficult conversation about your sexual health to receive the care you need, lean on your support system for strength.
There is no shame in sex
We get it, talking about sex isn’t always easy, but being open and honest about your sexual health shouldn’t be scary. The most important thing you can do for yourself is stay educated on what sexual health is and how you can best take care of yourself.
“There are a lot of people who should come in who don’t because they are embarrassed or ashamed,” says Dr. Balbo. “Knowing that providers are very non-judgmental and understanding is key to finding out what’s going on.” Remember, your providers truly want what’s best for you.
Sexually transmitted infections are not the end of the world, or of your sex life. Opening the door to conversations about sexual health will ensure that you hold the power over your own experiences.
For more information on sexual health resources, visit your campus clinic or find a Planned Parenthood location near you.
College 101 is an ongoing and collaborative series between OhioHealth Marketing and Communications Interns. This article was written by our 2025-2026 intern and The Ohio State University student, Regan Simpson.
