The World Health Organization describes sexual health as “a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence”. The majority of NYU students are sexually active, and college is a time when many young people first become sexually active. Students frequently enter college without adequate sexual health knowledge, and, subsequently, they often engage in sexual behaviors that place them at increased risk for unintended health outcomes such as pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is crucial to enhance sexual health resources to improve students’ sexual health, increase safer sex behaviors, and reduce STI and HIV transmission.
This page is intended to be a resource containing suggestions for what you can do to help increase your student’s sexual health knowledge and better manage his or her engagement in healthy sexual behaviors.
• Open and on-going communication. Talk to your student about how they are doing on a regular basis. While student’s increased independence and desire to make his or her own decisions, parents and families often continue to be trusted advisors. This provides a great opportunity to offer guidance and share values in an open, non-judgmental climate.20
• Talk to your student about sexual decision-making. Ask your student in a nonjudgmental way about his or her feelings, attitudes, and knowledge about sex. Let your student know that you are there to support him/her in whatever he/she decides about sexual activity, and offer to help if he/she has any questions, needs more information, or would like to see a health care provider.
• Be knowledgeable about NYU’s sexual health services for students and able to refer them to the appropriate resources when necessary. Visit the NYU Student Health Center website or review the Sexual Health Resource Guide available to students.
• Facilitate access to sexual and reproductive health care on campus. Make sure your student understands their insurance coverage benefits, knows their personal and family medical history, has a medical provider close to campus, and understands how and when to access services.
• Make sure your student knows the facts! Inform your student about what kinds of intimate contact can transmit sexually transmitted infections. Check out the NYU Student Health Center and CDC websites (and refer your student to them) for STI facts.
• Encourage your student to talk with his partner about safe sex practices before engaging in sexual activity. Inform your student about what kinds of intimate contact can transmit sexually transmitted infections/HIV, and talk to your student about birth control, safer sex, and how to protect him or herself.
• Encourage your student to get recommended screenings and check-ups. Even if your student is healthy, it is important for your student to be up to date with recommended screenings, exams, and vaccines.