Sexual Health
Safer sex
There are many myths surrounding sex at University. Not everybody is having sex all the time, and you should *never feel pressured into it.
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Safer sex is any sex that does not allow an infected partner's blood, semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid or fluid from the vagina to get inside the other partner's body. Vaginal and anal sex without a condom carry the highest risk. sexually transmitted infections can be passed on to either partner - male or female, active or passive - during penetrative sex (where the penis enters the vagina, mouth, or anus), without a condom.
Using a condom means that you are less likely to get an STI. It may be obvious to use a condom with a new partner. But once you start having sex frequently with the same person, you may wish to give up using condoms. Even if you are in a long-term relationship this can carry risks.
To talk confidentially with an adviser about sexually transmitted infections, or find out where you can get tested, ring the Sexual Health Line on *0800 567 123
*. You can phone any time and all calls are free.
There is some risk from oral sex, but it is less risky than vaginal or anal sex without a condom. The risk can be further reduced by avoiding getting semen or pre-ejaculatory fluid (precum) in the mouth, particularly if there are any cuts, sores or ulcers in the mouth and using a condom for oral sex with a man.If you have any concerns, contact the Health Centre for free, professional and confidential advice. An excellent alternative source of information on a wide range of STI's is the NHS Direct Online website at #LINK#http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk#text#www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk#
which is a good place to get medical information on a wide range of conditions, testing and treatments. In particular we would recommend the frequently asked questions pages.
If you have any concerns, contact the Health Centre for free, professional and confidential advice. An excellent alternative source of information on a wide range of STI's is the NHS Direct Online website at #LINK#http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk#text#www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk# which is a good place to get medical information on a wide range of conditions, testing and treatments. In particular we would recommend the frequently asked questions
Protection
Condoms are available free of charge from Family Planning Clinics, the LSE Health Centre , theSU Advice Centre (E297) and theEducation and Welfare Officer
(E299).
LSE Health Centre runs a dedicated contraceptive clinic Monday - Thursday between 13.30 - 14.30. You do not need an appointment to attend. All contraceptive prescriptions are fee in the UK. Emergency contraceptive pills (affective within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse) are also available through this clinic. You do not have to be a registered patient to attend the contraceptive clinic - although unregistered patients are only eligible to receive three months supply of prescription of contraceptive medication at any one time
STI testing
Without the use of condoms or other barrier methods there is a risk of exposure to a number of STI's including HIV, the virus that can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Other common STIs include syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, herpes, pubic lice, hepatitis, and genital warts. Many of the STI's listed may show no symptoms. However symptoms to look out for include:
- enlarged or sore glands in the neck, armpit or other parts of the body;
- an unusual vaginal discharge;
- bleeding after sex;
- bleeding between periods;
- stomach or pelvic pain;
- discharge from the penis;
- swollen or painful testicles (or both); and
- peeing frequently or burning feelings when peeing.
Most STIs are initially diagnosed on presentation of the symptoms and formally through blood, urine and other tests.
GPs or GUM clinics will usually carry out a simple and painless swab test, which will then be sent to a laboratory for testing. A swab test involves a doctor taking a sample of secretion from the vagina or penis using a piece of absorbent material attached to a rod (such as a cotton bud). Swab tests can now be carried out routinely during cervical smear tests. In some cases this is not necessary as the symptoms will be conclusive, such as with pubic lice.
Some STIs are difficult to diagnose as they present few or no recognisable symptoms. An example of this is chlamydia, which, if left untreated, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility. Because of this, the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV is piloting a chlamydia screening programme, available at selected GUM clinics throughout the country. To find your local GUM clinic ask your GP or contact NHS Direct on *0845 4647
As part of this programme, this year the NHS has joined forces with *Boots Chemist
to provide free chlamydia testing over the counter for students and young people. You can obtain more information about this programme from the welfare corridor ( outside E299).
Some STIs, such as HIV, will need to be diagnosed through a blood test. Blood tests can be carried out either by a GP or GUM clinic and the results are completely confidential.
Unplanned pregnancy
Emergency contraception can be obtained if you believe that you might be at risk of pregnancy, for example if you have had unprotected sex, or fear that the contraceptive method you were using may have failed.
Emergency contraception (such as the morning after pill or IUD) needs to be obtained within three days of unprotected sex. These methods should only be used in an emergency. Always use other methods of contraception when you have sex if you do not want to become pregnant. Free emergency contraception can be obtained from the Health Centre, a Family Planning Clinic, or even a hospital Accident and Emergency unit, if nowhere else is available.
LSE Health Centre is probably the best place for LSE students to get emergency contraception quickly.
If you do become pregnant, and wish to discuss your options, contact the Health Centre or a Family Planning Clinic such as Marie Stopes (0845 300 80 90 or(www.mariestopes.org.uk/uk ) or the British Pregnancy Advisory Service atwww.bpas.org .
The SU also operates a financial fund to help students who wish to proceed with their pregnancy or have a termination. Please contact the Advice Centre or the[Education and Welfare Officer] for further details.
Sexual harassment
The reported incidence of sexual harassment in the School is low, but where it does occur it can cause severe personal distress.
Harassment can range from unwanted comments and gestures of a sexual nature, to demands for sexual favours and to sexual assault. It is unwelcome, unsolicited, repeated and unreciprocated. It can be from a member of staff, or another student.
Whatever the extent or if you are just unsure about what you are experiencing, your first point of contact is either the Daphne Josselin Advisor to Women Students (e-mail d.josselin@lse.ac.uk or phone ext.6389), theAdvice Centre , or theEducation and Welfare Officer . Your complaint will be treated as confidential not seen as "formal" until you would like it to be, or have decided on the action that you wish to take
