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Is the flavored lube that you supply, ID Juicy Lube, safe for vaginal intercourse? I know some flavored lubes contain sugars which aren't healthy for vaginal use.

Thanks for the great question. All of the lubrication that we offer can be used for oral, vaginal and anal sex, including the flavored lubrication. While some flavored lubrications can contain sugar, the ID Juicy Lube should not. We have done research on the ingredients including consulting our Nutrition Department. That being said, the vagina is naturally acidic and lubrication is alkaline (as is seminal fluid & salvia) which can change the ph balance of the vagina. This may cause yeast infections especially for women who are particularly prone to them.

Do you supply Magnum sized condoms?

The Health Education office offers several brands and types of condoms to accommodate all of the UConn students that we serve. We do offer Trojan's Magnum as a larger condom and we offer Durex's XXL which is the largest condom that we can buy at this time. Students can come by the office to pick condoms whether it is our standard "goodie bag" which is an assortment of condoms, or if it is a specific request from a student who wants or knows what type of condom she/he needs.

Where can I get tested for STDs?

UConn:

• Women's Clinic (486-4837)
• Primary Care (486-2719)

Confidential HIV testing; counseling, diagnosis, and treatment for STDs. Please call for an appointment.

• Willimantic - Planned Parenthood of Connecticut (423-8426)
  Offers confidential and anonymous HIV tests, and diagnosis and treatment for STDs at low cost to both men and women. Clinical services are provided by appointment only.
• Windham AIDS Program (423-4534)
  Offers anonymous testing and support services and case management to people living with AIDS/HIV.

What is the best type of condom?

All condoms must meet the same standards by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The best condom is the condom that you will use correctly each and every time you have sex. Always remember to use plenty of lubrication. Please refer to the contraception page for proper use.

Do you still have small packets of lubrication available?

Yes we do offer packets of lubrication. Please feel free to come by the office and ask for a goodie bag with assorted condoms, dental dams and lubrication. We will also make up personal bags for students who request specific items.

How much does STD testing cost at UConn?

It depends on the test. HIV tests are about $20, while gonorrhea and Chlamydia are about $40. For more specific information, contact Student Health Services at 486-4700 or the Women's Clinic at 486-4837. The Advice Nurse at the Women's Clinic can also be reached at 486-0028.

Where can I get birth control pills and how much do they cost?

Female UConn students can get birth control pills at the Women's Clinic on campus located in the Infirmary or at Planned Parenthood in Willimantic. If a woman has already had a pap exam this year a prescription for pills and if she would like to release that information to the Women's Clinic, the staff can re-write the prescription so that it can be filled at the pharmacy in Student Health Services (Infirmary). UConn students can get the pill for $12 at the Student Health Services Pharmacy. Pills range in cost from $25-35 without insurance. Planned Parenthood would offer the pills on a sliding fee scale based on income. To contact the Women's Clinic call 486-4837 or Planned Parenthood at 423-8426.

Do you have to inform the parents about birth control...and if you haven't had the pap done can you get it done on campus...and the cost is that monthly or per pill?

Parents do not have access to a student's medical record once she/he turns 18 or if she/he is under 18, parents do not have access to information about STDs, birth control or sexual health. So the answer is no, parents are not informed what medications the student is prescribed or whether or not the student has been to Student Health Services , unless a student signs a release form to give parents permission to access the medical record. Insurance companies do send home information about a visit including any tests that were administered, so it is possible that parents are informed in that manner.

Yes, the Women's Clinic offers pelvic examinations which include the pap test. The cost for the pills is usually per month and that can vary depending on the brand. Contact the Women's Clinic for the most updated price for the pill at 486-4837 or call the advice nurse at 486-00026.

Do you have female condoms?

Yes, Health Education offers female condoms free for our students. The female condom is a great option for women or men who do not want to use the male condom or who have latex allergies. Planned Parenthood states that it ranges in effectiveness from 79-95% which depends on correct usage. The more practice a person has with any contraception method, the more likely he/she will use it correctly. Female condoms can be inserted hours before use--so it could be inserted before heading out for the night. It can also be used for anal sex, as long as the inner ring is removed before insertion. I would suggest using lubrication with any condom including the female condom. Another consideration is that the female condom, which is made of polyurethane, does such a great job of transmitting body heat that a person may not realize it if it breaks, another reason to use a lot of lubrication. As with any condom, it is for one time use/one body orifice per sex act. Please stop by our office for more information or to check them out!! We are located in South D (below the South Dinning Hall/Rome Commons) near the complex office.

How much is the exam including Pap smear?

Difficult question to answer because a woman has so many choices with her exam!
To start off, a gynecological exam at the Women's Clinic cost $43 and a regular pap smear is $37. It is recommended that a woman get checked for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea which is an additional $76. If a woman would like to be tested for HIV, Hepatitis, get a lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, etc), blood sugar check or anything else, there are additional fees that will be applied. If a woman has insurance, she could check with her provider to see what will be covered and how to file the claim, as well as to be sure that she can get coverage at Student Health Services. Please remember to bring your ID and insurance card with you if you plan to use it.

Is it normal to feel some kind of attachment after a one-night stand?

Since sex and sexuality for each person is tied to personal values and beliefs, it makes sense that people may form attachments to sexual partners whether it is a one-night stand or an ongoing sexual encounter. There are some expectations that peers, media and society may place on us when it comes to sex, and this includes being able to have sex with someone once and not getting attached to her/him. The truth is some people will get attached because of the emotional involvement and connection that they have with sex. There is nothing wrong with having those feelings, but each individual should examine if one-night stands are working for her/him. It is important for each person to ask her/himself the following questions about one-night stands; what enjoyment does one get out of the hook up? Are there feelings of regret or doubt? How does one feel about her/himself after the one-night stand--good, bad, indifferent? Does it impact the ability to have a relationship with another person if a relationship is wanted? Does the concern about STDs (or pregnancy if applicable) inhibit the ability to have connections with people? Is a person avoiding intimate relationships due to one-night stands? Feelings on sexuality issues may change or be fluid for some, so it may be important to reflect upon these questions from time to time.

Thanks for the great question.