Let’​s talk about sex… ed

University health centers: I think we’ve all heard some differing opinions on them but, in my opinion, I think the one here at James Madison University is pretty high up there on the list of good ones. Today I’d like to focus on how JMU addresses sexual wellness for students.

Personally, I have dealt with the University’s Health Center frequently in my year and a half on campus and I honestly couldn’t be happier. Now, I know they don’t accept insurance at the health center, but that’s because they make the things, you’re paying for affordable for college students.

First, I want to point out the prices on birth control. These prices are as low as $7 for a pack of birth control and no more than $10. You can also pick up as many packs as you need especially like before summer break, so you don’t need to worry about paying extra while at home or running out once you got home. They can also help you change the prescription your taking by just going to the women’s health center located in the Student Success Center. The doctors are friendly and really just concerned with your needs and what’s best for you. This is especially important because the medical field gets a bad rap for not paying attention to the patients’ needs, they’re all about quotas and money.

Second, along with birth control being so readily available so are other forms of contraception. This includes a wall of condoms to accommodate everyone’s preference.  This includes glow in the dark, flavored, textured, different sizes, different materials, and just your regular old kind. Along with the condoms everyone knows about (or should know about), they provide dental dams, used for oral activities, finger cots which is a condom for your finger to put it plainly. There’s also no need to be nervous about going to get condoms. The people, especially in The Well, are very kind and are willing to answer any questions you or your partner might have. Lastly, all these types of condoms of completely free they even have little paper bags to put your condoms. And remember, gentlemen, don’t be silly wrap your willy and ladies protect your castle before you wrassle.

Emergency contraceptives are also something to know about and where to get them. If you go to any old pharmacy, you are going to pay up to $50 for Plan-B. Luckily for us JMU students, the pharmacy in SSC has Plan- B for just $20. As I said about the condoms don’t be afraid or nervous if you find yourself in need of Plan- B.

In case you find yourself needing a pregnancy test the pharmacy on campus can also help you with cheaper prices. Instead of going to the store and picking up a box that is over $10 you can just stop SSC and go to the pharmacy and get either a single test for $4 or a box of two or three for $7. The bags from the pharmacy are also paper so no one has to know what’s in the bag since it’s a personal matter.

STI Testing is something that the health center also offers for students. This is something that anyone having sex should defiantly be aware of, you want to make sure you are protecting yourself and others from a potential infection. You can make an appointment through your MyJMUHealth account whether you have symptoms or you just want to get the tests done. The health center can test for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, and Herpes. The prices for the tests range from $5-$20. Also, as a general rule, they say you should be tested every 3-6 months or yearly depending on the types of activities and number of partners you have.

The University Health Center also has many resources for students to use in regard to sexual health. Under healthy sexuality on the health center website you have access to Safe Sex Centers, this gives you a list of places where you can go to pick up safer sex supplies and safe sex information. Sexual Health Coaching is where you can go to address questions and concerns you may have concerning your own sexual health. The coach will also work with you to set goals for a healthy sex life. Lastly, there is a section for programs and extra resources for students.

I hope this was helpful information to anyone who needed it or was unaware that we had all these resources for students. If you have any more questions or concerns that I didn’t address you can contact the University Health Center by email  healthctr@jmu.edu, by calling (540) 568-6178 or going in person to SSC.