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
Carlow Campus
Tel: 059 917 5600
Email: (will be changed)
Wexford Campus
Tel: ( Need Info )
Email: wexfordcounselling@itcarlow.ie
Waterford Campus
Tel: 051 302475
Email: (will be changed)
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.
Samaritans
Telephone help-line available 24hrs a day 7 days of the week. Provides a private listening service to talk to someone.
Tel: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.ie
Carlow Mental Health Association
Promotes positive mental health and links people to mental health and suicide services in the Carlow region.
Tel: 085 818 1353
Email: carlowmentalhealth@hotmail.com
Aware
Support for people with depression and bipolar disorder.
Tel: 1800 80 48 48
Email: supportmail@aware.ie
Suicide Helpline
Tel: 1850 60 90 90
24/7 Mental Helpline
Free telephone line which assists people in accessing mental health services in Ireland. 
Tel: 1800 80 48 48
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!
WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ON ‘STI’s’?
Online resources such as
sexualwellbeing.ie
hivireland.ie
Information pamphlets in your Students Union
Your Welfare and Equality Officer.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you engage in sexual activities
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
SAFE SEX
When engaging in sex both parties should be aware of the contraceptive method either party are using or lack thereof. You should put your safety first by bringing your own protection and if you do not feel comfortable with the contraceptive of choice – always say no!
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
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BECOME PREGNANT?
There are options available and supports to help you research them. myoptions.ie provides information and support on all your options including continued pregnancy supports and abortion services.
You can also contact them at: Freephone: 1800 828 010
If you need any more information or assistance do not hesitate to contact your campus Welfare and Equality. There are no silly questions and we are always here to help!
Carlow
President - Mark Dunne
0599175621
Carlow
Campus Student Union Opening Hours Monday-Thursday 9am-19:30pm and
Fridays 9am-18:00pm
Waterford
College Street Admin
Office
E: printing.wd@setusu.com
Waterford
Waterford Cork Road Admin
Office
T: 051xxxxxx
Waterford Cork Road Student Union Opening Hours
9am-4pm (Closed for Cleaning 4-5pm) Monday-Thursday and Fridays 9am-1pm
(Closed for cleaning 1-2pm)