Sexuality is an intrinsic part of being human throughout the lifespan. Sexuality and our sexual health can influence our physical and emotional wellbeing as well as our relationships. Learning more about sex and sexual health can help someone have safer, respectful, and enjoyable experiences.
The best way to learn about your sexuality and preferences is to get to know your body first. Pleasure is an important component.
Masturbation can be done on your own or with a sex toy. The UBC Wellness Centre sells sex toys of all types and has Wellness Peers available to speak confidentially about what might be right for you.
If you’re thinking about having sex, make sure it’s your own choice for your own reasons, and not because of pressure from others – or because of what you’ve seen online or in the media.
Sex means different things to different people. Reflect on your own reasons for having sex, and ask a partner about their assumptions and expectations.
Consent is an enthusiastic and freely given 'yes' to engage in sexual activity.
Consenting to one kind of sexual activity does not mean consent is given to another sexual activity. Consent only applies to each specific instance of sexual activity.
You need to respect your partner’s reasons for choosing to have or not have sex.
It’s each person’s responsibility to ask, listen to, and respect their partner. That way, both people have an enthusiastic and enjoyable sexual experience.
Along with talking about consent, it’s important to verbally communicate about your sexual preferences and boundaries. Everyone has things they like and don’t like, things they want to try, and things they do not.
Knowing the answers to the questions below and communicating them with a partner will help you feel comfortable during sex. These questions are all components of a healthy sexual experience.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that spread as a result of sexual activity or contact, including oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Some STIs can even be passed by skin-to-skin genital contact1. STIs can affect anyone who is sexually active.
Sexually transmitted infections can be:
If you’re planning to be sexually active, consider and discuss STI prevention methods with your partner beforehand.
Learn more about STIs at sexandu.ca.
STIs can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. There are 4 ways to prevent STI transmission:
Contraceptive methods help prevent pregnancy. Many methods are very effective at preventing pregnancy; however, no method is 100% guaranteed.
If you had sex without contraception, or if your contraception failed during sex (e.g., the condom broke, or the pill wasn’t taken consistently), emergency contraception (EC) may be an option. Since emergency contraception drastically changes your hormone levels, it is only meant to be used occasionally, not as regular birth control.
Emergency contraception is available as a pill and can be taken within 5 days of vaginal sex. The sooner you take it after sex, the more effective it is. Taking it within the first 12-24 hours after unprotected intercourse is the most effective.
In British Columbia, you can purchase emergency contraception from any pharmacy. You can get a prescription from a physician at Student Health Service or another doctor’s office to reduce the cost of EC and/or to find out about your options for EC.
If you’re concerned that you, a friend, or partner may be pregnant, you may wish to use a pregnancy test.
You can buy pregnancy tests at the Wellness Centre, or at any drug store or pharmacy in British Columbia.
A doctor or nurse can also administer a pregnancy test and discuss your birth control or pregnancy options. Book an appointment with Student Health Service on campus, or find a clinic in Vancouver.
Relationships take on many forms and may or may not be romantic/sexual. Find tips and strategies for building healthy relationships.
These websites and apps have been carefully chosen by health professionals at UBC. They’re easy and accessible tools you can use any time to help you manage your sexual health.
It might be easier to talk with a trained student about sex. They may understand what you’re going through and can offer helpful resources.
If you need a prescription for birth control, STI testing, or support with sex and sexual health, talk to a health professional.
