"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:
- Communicating with your partner about sex (coming soon)
- 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?
- Safer Sex (coming soon)
- What do I do if I am, or a friend is, sexually assaulted?
- Sexual Orientation (coming soon)
- What is THAT!? -- Signs & Symptoms of STDs (coming soon)
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!
V8 presents Opt4 - First Friday event
Alumni Lounge, Perkins Student Center
Come see what V8 has planned for the November First Friday Event.
V8 presents Opt4 First Friday event: RELAXATION!
Alumni Lounge, Perkins Student Center
Stop by for a study break, relax and unwind.
