If you’re anything like me, you didn’t get the most -- for lack of a better word -- comprehensive education when it came to sexual health. They began in fifth grade, when they quickly ran over what periods were (I still don’t know what they told the boys in the other room) and spent the rest of the week teaching us about abuse, how to report it, and the AIDS virus. I was awed, others were terrified; I’m pretty sure I remember someone crying. This process, with some variation, would repeat just about every year until I graduated high school.
Honestly, I learned quite a bit, and it absolutely fascinated me. For a long time I could tell you just about every major STD, it’s symptoms, and how they were transmitted. However, there was a lot my education left out and, because I’m such a nerd, I filled in the blanks. So, I’m here to share my knowledge with you.
1. You can't get AIDS that way.
That kid I remember crying in fifth grade? It was because she was terrified of getting AIDS. Why so terrified? Our teachers had made it sound like the virus was almost as easy to catch as the common cold. In reality, it’s pretty hard if you’re being safe. The virus is transmitted through genital fluids, blood, and breast milk, not saliva or skin-to-skin contact.
2. Condoms are fairly reliable.
Yes, condoms do break, but with a 98 percent effectiveness rating it’s worth the try. Still worried? Add another form of birth control, but don’t add another condom. Seriously, only one condom at a time.
3. There isn't just one kind of condom.
Aside from the array of condoms that go on the penis, they also make condoms that go in the vagina. Use whichever you and your partner feel more comfortable with, but not both at one time. I can’t stress that enough, so one more time -- only one condom!
4. You didn't get that from a toilet seat.
There are some really questionable bathrooms out there, but none of them can give you a STD and they definitely can’t get you pregnant.
5. It's not your fault.
Like most items on this list, it’s not that what I was told was wrong; I just wasn’t told at all, or not enough. It doesn’t matter what you were wearing, what you took, or who you were hanging out with, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. Be safe, communicate with your partner, and remember that consent is the presence of a sober, informed, enthusiastic yes.
6. It's always your choice.
This is your body and your life we’re talking about. You are the only one who can give consent for anyone else to interact with it, and you can change your mind at any time. No one else can, or should, make those decisions for you.
7. If you can't communicate, question it.
This goes for any relationship you have at any stage of life. You should be in an environment where you can safely communicate with everyone in your romantic, platonic, and formal relationships. If things are starting to look one-sided, take a step back and take a hard look at that relationship.
8. Vaginas don't smell like roses.
Vaginas smell, it’s natural. It cleans itself, so there’s no need to try and wash it out with anything other than water. Don’t put anything scented, flavored, or porous in there either, unless you’ve talked it over with your doctor. If something seems off, talk to your doctor.
