Sexual Health

In supporting the mission of student health by enhancing learning and student success, the Student Health Services at Louisiana Tech University seeks to assist Tech students in making health conscious and responsible decisions regarding sexual behaviors. The information is provided to support the students own beliefs and values are used as a resource to promote health, sexual health, and well-being.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are generally acquired by sexual contact. The organisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases may pass from person to person in blood, semen, or vaginal and other bodily fluids.

Some such infections can also be transmitted non-sexually, such as from mother to infant during pregnancy or childbirth, or through blood transfusions or shared needles.

It’s possible to contract sexually transmitted diseases from people who seem perfectly healthy — people who, in fact, aren’t even aware of being infected. Many STDs cause no symptoms in some people, which is one of the reasons experts prefer the term “sexually transmitted infections” to “sexually transmitted diseases.”

Sexually Transmitted Disease Definition

STI Information

If you have any questions, call and speak with a nurse at TechCare: (318) 257-4866.

For downloadable brochures containing information on STDs click below.

• Chlamydia
• Genital herpes
• Gonorrhea
• Syphilis
• Trichomonas
• CDC brochure: STD’s and Pregnancy
• CDC brochure: STD Prevention

Let’s Talk About Sexual Health Video

How and When To Get Tested?

If you are sexually active, getting tested for STI’s is one the most important things you can do for your overall health. Located below are STI testing resources.

STI testing resources:

Lincoln Parish Health Unit
405 E. Georgia Avenue
Ruston, LA 71270
318-251-4120

Bienville Health Unit
1285 Pine Street #102
Arcadia, LA 71001
318-263-2125

Ouachita Parish Health Unit
1650 DeSiard Street
Monroe, LA 71201
318-361-7281

National HIV and STD Testing
National AIDS Hotline
800-342-AIDS (English)
800-344-7432 (Spanish)
800-243-7889 (TTY)
Toll free 24 hours/7 days

Education

Reduce the Risk:

• Having sex only with one partner who is not infected, who has sex only with you, and who does not share needles or syringes.
• Avoiding contact with your partner’s blood, semen, or vaginal fluid.
• Using a latex condom the right way every time when having sex.
• Using a water-based lubricant with the condom to reduce the risk of breakage when having vaginal or anal sex.
• For oral contact with the vagina or anus, some HIV educators suggest using a dental dam over the area. Some also suggest using plastic wrap or cutting a condom so that it lays flat and using it in the same way. More research is needed on how effective these methods are.

Talk with your partner(s). Find out:

• With how many people have they had vaginal, oral or anal sex
• What STIs they have had or have currently
• Whether or not they have had unprotected sex and how many times
• If they have been tested for any or all STIs and when
• If they have ever injected drugs (e.g. heroine, steroids, hormones, insulin) with a used syringe
• If they have received a tattoo, ear piercing with a used needle

What does NOT protect you against STIs:

• Lambskin (natural) condoms
• Withdrawal (penis is withdrawn from body before ejaculating)
• Birth control pills, diaphragms, birth control injections or implants, spermicides, and IUDs
• Love and trust

Contraception:

• Where can I find condoms?
• Student Health services and any parish health unit has condoms free of charge.
• Emergency contraception
• Emergency contraception is available over the counter at any pharmacy. It can be purchased by anyone over 17 years old.

Pregnancy:

Pregnancy is a transforming experience in which may bring multiple emotions such as anxiety, fear, denial, happiness, or guilt regardless if the pregnancy is intended or not. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, absence of menstrual cycle, and breast tenderness. Students concerned they might be pregnant may be directed to the Student Health Center for a pregnancy test. Upon confirmation, community referrals are available.

Life Choices of North Central Louisiana:

Offers support when you were not expecting to be pregnant.