The ABC’s of Sexual Health

1. The ABC’s of Sexual Health

2. The ABC’s of Sexual Health

3. The ABC’s of Sexual Health

4. A Abstinence • ~~ A self-enforced restraint from indulging in bodily activities that are experienced as giving pleasure. • Most frequently, sexual abstinence but one can also be abstinent from alcohol or food. • Usually arises from religious prohibitions and practical considerations. • ABSTINENCE is the only 100% way to avoid STDs or pregnancy.

5. B Birth Control • ~~ One of various methods of preventing unwanted pregnancies, typically by use of contraception. • Most commonly for females in the form of oral pills or intrauterine device (IUD). Other options include: patches, implants, or surgical operations. • Most commonly a condom for males. • Talk to your doctor to find the best option of BIRTH CONTROL for you prior to engaging in any kind of sexual activity.

6. C Condom • ~~A thin rubber sheath worn on a man’s penis during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive and/or as protection against infection. • Always check the expiration date prior to use, remove the condom and hold the tip to force air out. Gently unroll condom down the base of an erect penis. • Condoms are only to be used once and should be disposed of after use. • When used correctly, CONDOMS are 98.9% effective.

7. D Double Protection • ~~Having two forms of birth control in use simultaneously to decrease chance of accident. • The Kinsey Institute found that women who used a hormonal contraceptive in addition to condoms reported higher overall sexual satisfaction. • Researchers believe that when women are less worried about pregnancy and STDs they can relax and enjoy themselves more. • NEVER use two condoms at the same time, an excessive amount of friction will occur between the two condoms and increase the likelihood that either, or both, of the condoms will break.

8. E Emergency Contraception • ~~Birth control measure that, if taken after sexual intercourse, may prevent pregnancy. • Often called the “morning after pill” • Can be used from the time of intercourse up to 5 days later. See a doctor for recommendation on which EC to use. • Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases. • Should ONLY be used as a backup for failed birth control, not as a primary contraceptive.

9. F Foreplay • ~~Sexual activity that precedes intercourse. • A man can just think about sex and have an erection, but for most women, wanting sex is not enough. • Foreplay serves a physical and emotional purpose, helping prepare both mind and body for sex. • Many women need to be kissed, hugged, and caressed to create lubrication in the vagina, which is important for comfortable intercourse.

10. G Gender • ~~ An individual’s identity as defined by themselves as male, female, or another identity. • Defined along a spectrum by the self. • For more information about gender, visit www.lbgtrc.msu.edu

11. H Homosexuality • ~~Romantic attraction, sexual attraction, or sexual activity between members of the same sex or gender. • All orientations are an innate part of a person’s identity, and cannot be altered or changed. • For more information regarding homosexuality visit www.lbgtrc.msu.edu

12. I Intercourse (Sexual) • ~~Any form of inserted sexual behavior including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, as well as anal intercourse. • Plays a strong role in human bonding, usually being for pleasure and commonly leading to emotional bonds. • Always be safe when engaging in any form of intercourse.

13. J Just in Case! • Always keep a condom, dental dam, or other birth control on hand so you will always be prepared when you need it.

14. K Kama Sutra • ~~An ancient Indian text on human sexual behavior. Kama is literally desire. Sutra signifies a thread, or discourse threaded on a series of aphorisms. • Widely considered to be the standard work on human sexual behavior. • Additionally a portion of the work consists of practical advice on sexual intercourse. • Can be used as a tool to better sexual intercourse in a relationship.

15. L Lubricant • ~~A water-based liquid or jelly used to enhance or replace a woman’s natural lubrication. • Never use oil-based lubricants • Oil will destroy latex upon contact and will deteriorate the condom • Oil will coat the inside of the vagina and rectum, providing a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria • Approximately 2%-5% of condoms tear during use. The majority of these failures are caused by human error, which can include not using enough lube or using oil-based lubricants.

16. M Masturbation • ~~Manual stimulation of one’s-own genitals usually to the point of orgasm. Can be performed manually, by objects, or tools. Also known as autoeroticism. • Benefit: does not require a partner or anything other than your own body, it is always available. • Proven to be a perfectly healthy method of sexual exploration and learning about your own sexual preferences. • Masturbation is a fundamental element in enjoying a healthy sexuality and a confident lifestyle.

17. N “No” • If you feel uncomfortable in any situation you should always give a clear “No.” to your partner.

18. O Orgasm • ~~The sudden discharge of accumulated sexual tension experienced at the peak of sexual excitation, usually resulting from stimulation of the sexual organ and (in men) usually accompanied by ejaculation. • Can include ejaculation in women as well. • Often include other involuntary actions, including muscular spasms, a general euphoric sensation, and frequently, body movements and vocalizations. • Experience varies from person to person and for each individual at different times.

19. P Pornography • ~~Erotic writings, pictures, movies, etc., intended to arouse sexual-desire. • Can be beneficial for use in foreplay or to explore new sexual options in long term relationships. • REMEMBER: anything digital can and will be out there forever. Sending a pornographic picture to a significant other may seem like a good idea in the moment, but always think about the fact that it will still be out there when you are applying for a job.

20. Q Question • It is important to always question your partner about his/her: • Sexual history • Motives • This helps make sure that you can trust and believe in them before engaging in sexual activities. • Always ask for CONSENT prior to engaging in sexual activities.

21. R Relationships • Sex plays a strong role in human bonding, and usually leads to emotional bonds. • 3 Reasons Sex Changes Everything • Orgasms make you lose control of your rational mind • Sex releases oxytocin (a hormone responsible for making you like and trust people) • Women are addicted to oxytocin, this means that women begin to crave sex • Many women feel that having sex with someone will encourage deeper feelings and eventually lead to commitment.

22. S STDs • ~~A disease or infection that has significant probability of transmission between humans by means of sexual contact. Some can be transmitted through birth, IV needles, and breastfeeding. Some examples: HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes. • More than 30 STDs have been identified. • More than 12 million Americans contract a STD each year • 3 million of these are teenagers. • Condoms are the best defense against contracting an STD during sexual activities.

23. T Tested • It is extremely important to get tested and always ask your partner to get tested in a new relationship or after engaging in sexual activity with another partner. • Yearly tests are recommended for all females on birth control and you should be sure to talk to your doctor and partner about any risks you may have encountered.

24. U Unprotected (sex) • ~~Sexual activity engaged in without precautions. • Unprotected sex is a big risk for getting an STD or risk getting pregnant. • Engaging in the risk of unprotected sex should be thought out ahead of time and talked about with your partner.

25. V Virginity • ~~The state of never having engaged in sexual intercourse. This can include oral, vaginal, or anal sex, but typically refers to all forms of sexual intercourse. • Many people chose to remain a virgin because of religious observences.

26. W Waiting • Waiting for the right person to lose your virginity to is very important. • Never let social pressures push you into an uncomfortable situation when you don’t feel ready.

27. X no eXcuses • Don’t accept any excuses from your partner on why they wont use protection. • There is no eXcuse for sexual assault, no means no.

28. Y “Yes” • An individual must give consent to engage in sexual intercourse. • If an individual is intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs, they cannot give consent.

29. Z Zzzz • Falling asleep after sexual intercourse is a natural part of the sexual cycle. • While men will typically fall asleep because of a hormone released during sex, for most women it depends on the type of orgasm achieved. • For a clitoral orgasm, most women become “Chatty Kathy” for about 30 minutes. • For a g-spot orgasm, most women will fall asleep very quickly, sometimes faster than their partner.