Sexual Health

When you come to college you may hear an awful lot about sex. For some people this may be an enjoyable experience and for others it may be an experience surrounded by fear or uncertainty. However, we are here to keep you informed, educated and safe if you do make the choice to have sex! 

On-Site Counselling Services

The on-campus counselling services provide a safe space for students to receive professional counselling services from trained counsellors across the TU. This service is available to registered students of South East Technological University

Off-Site Counselling Services

If you would like to reach out to other services not linked to the college below are some of our recommended options.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) 

STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection and is something that can be contracted when two people engage in unprotected sex. STI’s can range from chlamydia, gonorrhoea, Herpes, HPV, and HIV (Aids). A person can contract an STI through intercourse, genital-to-genital, oral sex, or even from sharing sex toys. The best way to protect from an STI is through using a condom properly. Also, if you engage in any sort of unprotected sex, ensure to be tested regularly – there’s nothing embarrassing about it and if you are sexually active this is essential! 

CONSENT

Communication is key prior to and during sex, in order to establish consent from both parties and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. 

What is Consent? 

Consent is essentially mutually, freely, and voluntarily agreeing to engage in a sexual activity. Consent can be withdrawn at any time before or during the sexual activity. In addition, consent must be given every time you want to engage in a sexual activity. 

Consent is not given under the following circumstances, if the person is:  

• Asleep 
• Unconscious 
• Forced or pressured 
• Threatened  
• Under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol 
• Unable to communicate 

Any non-consensual sexual activity is considered a sexual violence. The law defines rape and sexual assault to have occurred when there has been penetration (even slightly) including that done by objects controlled by another person (i.e. Sex toys), and where any sort of sexual touching has occurred without consent. Sexual violence can occur even if you are in a relationship. 

If you need support around rape or sexual violence contact: 

National 24-Hour Helpline: 1800 77 8888 or 

Text service (Mon-Fri 8:00am-6:30pm) 086 823 8443 

WHAT CONTRACEPTIVES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME? 

CONDOMS 

• Barrier method which prevents pregnancies and protects against a majority of STI’s 
• There are two types of condoms which include male condoms, and internal-female condoms  
• 98% effective when used properly every time 

THE PILL 

• Prescription drug that prevents pregnancy  
• Does not protect against STI’s 

THE INJECTION 

• Shot provided by a healthcare professional every 12 weeks 
• Prevents pregnancy 
• Does no protect against STI’s 

THE PATCH 

• Plaster which a women wears for 7 days at a time 
• The plaster will be worn for three weeks and then there will be a one week break 
• Protects against unplanned pregnancy  
• Does not protect against STI’s 

DIAPHRAGM 

• Known as “the cap” and is placed over a women’s cervix  
• Prevents pregnancy
• Spermicide can be used for increased protection  
• Does not protect against STI’s 

EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION 

• Known as “the morning after pill” 
• Women can take it when they have engaged in unprotected sexual activity 
• Can be purchased at a chemist and taken without a prescription 
• Does not protect against STI’s