"Healthy Sexuality" refers to many facets of your life as a sexual being:
- how to communicate in a healthy way about what you want from a sexual relationship and how to set your boundaries around sexual experiences you don't want;
- learning about and understanding your sexual orientation;
- evaluating and ensuring that other aspects of your intimate relationships are healthy;
- keeping yourself safe from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy;
- knowing the signs and symptoms of STDs so that you can identify them in yourself or your partner and get treatment;
- learning how to prevent pregnancy, as well as what resources and options are available if you become pregnant.
If you are struggling with any of these issues, you can make an appointment to speak with Angela Seguin at Wellspring by calling 831-3457. Read on to learn more about these topics.
Facts, Self-Help & How-To Information on the following topics:
- How do I communicate with my partner about sex? (coming soon)
- Where do I go for Emergency Contraception in Newark?
- How are Healthy Relationships defined? How do I know if my relationship is abusive?
- How do I avoid pregnancy? I think I might be pregnant; what do I do?
- How do I have "Safer Sex"? (coming soon)
- What do I do if I am sexually assaulted? How do I help a friend if it happens to them?
- I'd like to learn more about Sexual Orientation (coming soon)
- What unique health concerns might I need to know about if I am lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered?
- What is THAT!? -- Signs & Symptoms of STDs (coming soon)
- Where do I go for HIV Testing in Newark?
Allies at Wellspring
Some of the Wellspring professional staff are trained members of the University's Ally Network providing support to those who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered or Questioning on our campus. Allies support individuals who have questions or concerns about such issues as sexual identity, sexual harassment, community resources, and support systems. Allies can answer questions and make referrals to relevant resources in our community.
Contraception & Pregnancy
For information on contraception options to avoid pregnancy, emergency contraception, or support and referral for UD students who are or might be pregnant, Wellspring provides information, detailed brochures, and one-on-one appointments with professional staff. Stop by the office for a brochure or make an appointment by calling 831-3457.
Contraception -- A good online list of common contraceptive methods with explanation is provided by Delaware Health & Social Services, along with a list of agencies providing Reproductive Health Services in Delaware.
Emergency Contraception -- If you have had unprotected sex within the last 5 days, and you are over age 17, you can purchase Plan B Emergency Contraception over the counter (without a prescription) at any pharmacy in the area. UD Students can also purchase Emergency Contraception at the Student Health Service Dispensary during it's operating hours Mon-Fri, 8:30am-Noon and 1pm-4:00pm. Please note that Plan B is most effective when taken within the first 72 hours (3 days) but can still be taken within the first 105 hours (5 days).
Possible Pregnancy -- If you think you might be pregnant, the Women's Clinic at the Student Health Service offers non-directive pregnancy testing and counseling. The all-female staff provides information, gynecological care, and options. To make an appointment, call 831-8035.
If you are Pregnant -- If you have a positive pregnancy test, and you are trying to decide what to do, there are three basic options: carrying the pregnancy to term and raising the baby yourself, carrying the pregnancy to term and placing the baby with an adoption agency for another family to adopt, or terminating the pregnancy. There are a variety of agencies in the Newark area that provide services for young women who are pregnant.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware – provides the full range of gynecological services. Specific to pregnancy, PPDE provides pregnancy testing, emergency contraception, counseling, information on family planning, and abortion. Planned Parenthood does not take a position about what you should do, but provides you with information and options so that you can make the choice that is right for you. The Newark location of Planned Parenthood is located at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Haines Street.
A Door of Hope Pregnancy Center – provides free, confidential services to young women who are pregnant. The agency has an anti-abortion viewpoint, and offers alternatives to abortion and support for young women facing an unplanned pregnancy. They also offer spiritual counseling, assistance with maternity and baby needs, and resource referrals. A Door of Hope is located at 218 East Main Street, Suite 114, in Newark.
Safe Arms for Babies – If you are a young woman thinking of abandoning your baby, Delaware law allows you to bring your baby, up to 14 days old, to any Hospital Emergency Room in Delaware. The staff will care for the baby and find the baby a home, without even asking your name. Call 1-800-262-9800 for information or just go to any hospital emergency room.
Adoption -- There are many reliable adoption agencies in the state of Delaware. Any of the above listed organizations can put you in touch with an adoption agency if you wish to pursue this option.
Upcoming Events!
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part One)
Trabant MPR C
Did you know as a student leader you can have a profound impact on your peers by providing support, resources, and knowledge? By modeling healthy attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that promote respect, equality, and a culture of non-violence you are leading by example! Your influence can have a resounding impact on your peers and your relationships with them. This program will help you develop the skills you need to understand dating violence, model respect and equity, as well as provide you with resources helpful to those affected by abusive relationships. Experts in the field will provide an interactive and informative approach to help you identify ways you can make a positive difference – here at UD and beyond. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
Film: "Miss Representation"
Trabant Theatre
A documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, premiered at 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on Oprah Winfrey Network, looks at the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence. It exposes how American youth are being sold the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty, sexuality, and appearance rather than their intelligence. Following the film will be a speaker who will share her personal struggle with an eating disorder. Sponsored by National Eating Disorders Awareness Council, for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the Blue Hen Leadership Program, and co-sponsored by S.O.S. and Wellspring.
Project Impact: My Relationships, My World (Part Two)
Trabant MPR C
What message are you sending with your event flyers, Facebook events, and other marketing materials? Your publicity tells individuals more than the date, time and location of your event. Your flyers can tell a person what your organization/event stands for, values, and promotes. This program will help you understand how marketers sell certain messages through their products and how to deconstruct those messages. You will also develop the skills needed to create publicity that promotes equality, respect, and healthy relationships. *Note: You do not have to attend Part One to attend Part Two. Sponsored by Wellspring: Student Wellness Program and the Prevention Subcommittee, a joint subcommittee of the Delaware Victims Rights Task Force and the Domestic Violence Task Force of Delaware. This program counts as part of the Blue Hen Leadership Program. Contact Susan Luchey to register your attendance at this program or to register for BHLP.
21st Annual Crime Victims' Tribute with Guest Speaker Kathleen Bonistall
Bus leaves from Trabant Univ Ctr at 5:30pm. Event takes place at the Dover Sheraton, 1570 North Dupont highway, Dover, DE 19901
The 21rst Annual Crime Victims’ Tribute is part of Delaware’s recognition of National Crime Victims Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012. The Tribute honors crime victims who have died and those who continue to struggle daily with the aftermath of their own or a loved one’s victimization. There are many displays such as the memorial wall filled with artwork, poems and letters written by victims, survivors and friends, and other displays in which victims are able to openly express their thoughts and feelings. Participants can bring their own letters or art pieces to add to the displays. Victims’ advocates throughout the state display resource materials to assist victims in their healing journey. This year’s speaker is Kathleen Bonistall, mother of UD student Lindsay Bonistall who was raped and murdered in her off-campus apartment in May 2005. The Bonistall family founded PEACE OUTside Campus, the Lindsay Bonistall Foundation to promote peaceful, safe living environments off-campus. Mrs. Bonistall will talk about how the crime has impacted her life and share a message of hope for all victims, survivors, advocates and law enforcement. Part of UD's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. FREE BUS provided by Student Activities & Programs will leave Trabant at 5:30pm but you must REGISTER to RIDE.
