Welcome
Sexual health is a normal part of life. However, we know that navigating sexual health can also be a little overwhelming. This page is here to help you figure out what works best for you.
On this page, you can learn about how to navigate sexual health, where to find safer sex supplies, contraception and protection options, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how to prevent their transmission, on-campus and off-campus testing options for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), navigating pregnancy and pregnancy prevention, and more.
Each person is unique, so asking questions and consulting with a medical provider about your sexual health are good practices. To talk with a medical provider, you can make an appointment through the Deacon Health portal or by calling 336.758.5218.’
How do I navigate sexual health?
- Communicate. Sexual health = communication. Talking it out – with a medical provider, sexual partner(s), friends, family, a trusted person – is the best practice.
- Consent is key. Consent is freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, specific, ongoing, and mutual. You can read more about consent here.
- Stay informed. Learn the facts, do your research, consult with a medical provider and ask questions!
- Practice safer sex. Use barrier methods (such as external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams and finger cots) every time you engage in a sexual activity, even if pregnancy is not possible, to prevent STI transmission.
- Get regular medical care. Consult your medical provider about birth control options, STI prevention, regular STI testing and other considerations if you are sexually active or considering becoming sexually active. Your sexual health deserves
What services and supplies are available at Wake?
Location and Hours: Ground floor of the Wellbeing Center
Services (Free and for purchase)
- Birth control prescriptions (i.e., birth control pills)
- New prescriptions
- Existing prescriptions can be transferred to Deacon Health to be filled at our pharmacy
- Birth control and IUD consultations (Request “Women’s Health Consultation” in your Deacon Health portal when scheduling your appointment)
- Breast exams
- Pap smears (cervical cancer screening)
- Pregnancy tests (free or for purchase at the Deacon Health pharmacy)
- Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing (See section below)
Supplies (Free and for purchase)
External condoms (free).
Emergency contraception pill (“morning-after pill”; for purchase)
ella (see Emergency contraception section below for more information)
Plan B (see Emergency contraception section below for more information)
Location and Hours: Benson 311
Supplies (Free)
Sex toy cleaners
External condoms (latex and non-latex)
Internal condoms
Dental dams
Finger cots
Gloves
Lubricant (lube)
Location and Hours: Wake Forest Wellbeing Center, Room 321, Reynolds Gym
Supplies in the Office of Wellbeing (Free)
- External condoms
- Lubricant (lube)
- Menstrual supplies
- Pregnancy tests
Safer Sex Express (Free)
Safer Sex Express is a FREE safer sex supplies delivery service for Wake Forest University students with a campus PO Box. Through a confidential online order form, students can order a variety of materials that are discreetly delivered to their campus PO box within a week. (Students can find their PO box information on their Workday page under primary institutional address.) The Safer Sex Express is a great way to try out and learn about new products.
For free, students can order different brands of:
- External condoms
- Internal condoms
- Dental dams
- Finger cots
- Gloves
- Water-based lubricants
With the collaboration of the Office of Wellbeing, Deacon Health and the Women’s Center, Safer Sex Express is increasing access to safer sex supplies for students while simultaneously increasing education around consent, the use of contraception and sexual health.
Safer Sex Express was designed and created in 2019 by the Women’s Center in collaboration with Olivia Thonson, Sexual Health and Wellness intern.
To place an order, please complete the Safer Sex Express Order Form.
Location and Hours: Benson 314
Supplies (Free)
- External condoms
- Lubricant (lube)
- Menstrual supplies
- Pregnancy tests
External condoms are available for purchase at the 336 Market North (behind Peet’s), 336 Market South (Benson University Center) and the P.O.D. next to Subway in Davis Hall.
Contraception and Protection
We know that navigating contraception and protection can be a little overwhelming. First, what do we mean by “contraception” and “protection”? Contraception refers to the use of a method to help prevent pregnancy. Protection refers to methods used to help prevent STI transmission.
Preventing STI transmission is important to consider for all sexual activities where bodily fluids might be exchanged, even if pregnancy is not possible. The only two types of protection that prevent STI transmission are barrier methods and abstinence.
What are the main types of contraception and protection?
Abstinence is when one does not participate in sexual activities. Anyone can practice abstinence for a variety of reasons, and it is up to them to decide whether or not they want to be abstinent.
Barrier methods are physical barriers that help prevent the exchange of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact. They are used to help prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STIs. These include:
- External condoms
- Internal condoms
- Dental dams
- Finger cots/gloves
You can learn more about them here.
Emergency contraception is used after sex when other preventative measures were not taken (e.g., a condom) or failed, and pregnancy is a possible outcome. Emergency contraception does not protect against STIs. Emergency contraception includes:
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
- Non-hormonal: Paragard (a.k.a., copper IUD)
- Hormonal: Mirena, Liletta
- Emergency contraception pill (a.k.a. the “morning-after pill”)
Hormonal birth control is used to prevent pregnancy, manage hormones, help with periods, and a multitude of other reasons. Hormonal birth control does not protect against STIs. Some examples can be found here.
The non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is used to prevent pregnancy. The non-hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) does not protect against STIs.
To discuss contraception and protection options, you can schedule an appointment through your Deacon Health portal or by calling 336.758.5218. Deacon Health can either provide the contraception and/or protection on site, refer you to a different resource on campus, or refer you to an appropriate off-campus resource for your contraception and/or protection, depending on the type of contraception and/or protection you are requesting. Every person is unique, so it is important to consult with a medical provider to help you decide what is best for you and your body.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
While sex is a natural part of life, it also carries some risk. Education, testing, and communication will help you take care of yourself and your sexual partner(s).
One of the risk factors of sexual activity is contracting an STI, which stands for sexually transmitted infection. STIs are infections that spread from one person to another during sexual activity. You may also have heard the terms “STD” or “sexually transmitted disease.” You can read more about the difference in terminology here: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To help mitigate the stigma around STIs, we use the term “STI” instead of “STD.”
It may feel scary to talk about or to get tested for STIs, but it doesn’t need to be. Getting tested for STIs is a normal practice that is important for your health and the health of any sexual partner(s) you may have. You deserve to have an open, honest dialogue with your partner(s) about it.
Some STIs are asymptomatic (no symptoms) at the start of the infection, so you or your partner(s) may not always know that you or they have an STI. Anyone can be infected with any STI. Therefore, you should get tested with every new sexual partner, even if you are asymptomatic. If you have any questions about which tests you should get done or when you need to get tested, consult with your doctor.
How are STIs transmitted?
STIs can be transmitted from one person to another through the exchange of bodily fluids and through skin-to-skin contact.
There are six types of bodily fluids through which STIs can be spread:
- Vaginal fluid
- Semen
- Pre-cum
- Anal mucus
- Blood
- Breast milk
There are five types of skin-to-skin contact through which STIs can be spread:
- Mouth to genitals
- Mouth to anus
- Mouth to mouth
- You can refer to this Cleveland Clinic article for more information about how STIs can spread through kissing.
- Genitals to genitals
- Genitals to anus
What are the most common STIs?
For any STI, it is best to talk with a medical provider about testing, treatment, prevention, your sexual history, and any other questions or concerns you may have. Below, you can learn more about the most common STIs.
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Syphilis
- Trichomoniasis
- Hepatitis
- Herpes simplex virus (Herpes or HSV)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and genital warts
What helps prevent the transmission of STIs?
- Getting tested for STIs not only helps you be more aware of your STI status but also helps prevent you from spreading STIs to other people. STIs are very common, and many people who have them do not show any symptoms. They can also lead to health problems if left untreated. Get tested with every new partner or every three to six months, whichever happens first. Prevention is key – it’s best to get tested before you engage in sexual activity with a new partner. If you have any questions about which tests you should get done or when you need to get tested, consult with your doctor. If you have symptoms of or a possible or known exposure to an STI, you need to get tested as soon as possible. Go to the POSSE clinic on campus at Deacon Health or call Deacon Health at 336.758.5218 to schedule an off-campus testing appointment, whichever can happen first.
- Where can I get STI testing? Check out Deacon Health’s HIV and STI testing page for on-campus and off-campus services.
- Protection: Using a barrier method of protection while engaging in sexual activity helps prevent the spread of STIs by reducing the exchange of bodily fluids and skin-to-skin contact. No barrier method of protection is 100% effective, so it is important to use each properly. Barrier methods include external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams, and finger cots/gloves. You can find out more about these in Contraception and Protection.
- Communication: Talking about your STI history, status, and testing is a normal conversation to have with every sexual partner before engaging in sexual activity and as an ongoing conversation. Talking about the methods of protection you want to use is also important.
- How do I ask about STIs? Ask each partner when they were last tested and what their results were. Share the same information with them about yourself. Having these conversations might be awkward at first, but they don’t need to be because sexual health is a normal part of life. Having these conversations demonstrates that you care about your health and the health of your sexual partner(s). Ex. “I was tested last month, and the results came back negative. What about you?”
- Abstinence is the only 100% effective way to prevent contracting an STI. We define abstinence as not engaging in oral, anal or vaginal sex, or in any sexual contact where genital to genital touching occurs or where sexual fluids might be exchanged. However, abstinence can be defined differently by different people, and that’s okay.
Mononucleosis (“mono”)
While mononucleosis (“mono”) is often talked about when discussing STIs, it is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Mononucleosis is commonly referred to as “the kissing disease,” and it is spread through saliva. You can go here to learn more about mononucleosis. If you are experiencing symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with Deacon Health through the Deacon Health portal or by calling 336.758.5218.
Pubic lice (“crabs”)
Pubic lice (“crabs”) spread from person to person through physical contact – it can spread any time your hair comes into contact with the hair of someone with pubic lice. Therefore, it can be spread through sex, but it is not an STI. Pubic lice is curable. You can go here to learn more about pubic lice.
Sexual Health Myth-busting
There are many myths around sex and sexual health, so it is a good practice to double-check your information and consult with your medical provider if you have any questions. Below are some common myths debunked.
- Two condoms are better than one.
This is FALSE. Using two condoms at once is worse because it increases the likelihood that the condom will break due to the increased friction between the two condoms. Use one new condom each time you have sex.
- You can’t get pregnant on your period.
This is FALSE. You can get pregnant on your period because sperm can live in the vagina for up to five days, so fertilization of the egg is still possible. The likelihood is low, but it is possible to get pregnant on your period.
- The “pull out” method is all you need, and you can’t get pregnant from “pre-cum.”
The “pull out” method can help reduce the chance of pregnancy if done properly, but it is only effective about 78% of the time. Proper usage of the “pull out” method is not guaranteed each time due to human error and the heat of the moment (Ruberg, 2024). Additionally, pulling out does not eliminate the presence of pre-ejaculate, or “pre-cum,” which can still contain sperm. Therefore, though the likelihood is low, you can get pregnant from “pre-cum.”
Navigating Pregnancy and Pregnancy Prevention
Each person is unique, so asking questions and consulting with a medical provider at Deacon Health is a good place to start. If you think you may be pregnant, want to explore options to prevent pregnancy or end a pregnancy, or are looking for pregnancy support, you can make an appointment through the Deacon Health portal or by calling 336.758.5218 to discuss options with your provider. If you are pregnant, your Deacon Health provider can connect you with off-campus resources for the care you are seeking.
- What contraception practices/methods, if any, am I using or do I want to use to prevent pregnancy?
- Have my partner(s) and I talked about contraception together?
- Have my partner(s) and I talked about what we would do if the person/people who could become pregnant got pregnant?
The most common signs of early pregnancy are the following:
- A missed period
- Frequent trips to the bathroom
- Fatigue (feeling tired)
- Nausea (typically called “morning sickness,” but it can occur at any time)
- Sore (and swollen) breasts
To read more about these signs and additional, less common signs, you can check out this Cleveland Clinic article. There are common symptoms between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and early pregnancy, so it’s best to think through your recent sexual history, menstrual symptoms and consult your medical provider if you have any questions.
If you think you may be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. These are available for free through the Safer Sex Express, at the Office of Wellbeing, and at the Women’s Center. They are also available for purchase off-campus at grocery stores, general merchandise stores and additional locations. Home pregnancy tests look for the presence of the hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), which only occurs during pregnancy. They are over 99% accurate when used properly. However, if you are still concerned or have any questions, you can contact your medical provider.
Mayo Clinic (2025) defines an ectopic pregnancy as a pregnancy that, “occurs when a fertilized egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.” Due to its abnormal placement, the fertilized egg in an ectopic pregnancy cannot survive.
Pregnancy Resources
- Confidential
- Deacon Health
- Office of the Chaplain
- Safe Office
- Sports Psychology
- University Counseling Center
- Non-Confidential
- CARE Case Management (336-758-CARE)
- Intercultural Center
- LGBTQ+ Center
- Office of Wellbeing
- Title IX Office & Deputy Coordinators
- Women’s Center
- Family Planning Clinic
- The Clinic offers individual comprehensive family planning and preventive health services, which include women’s health, birth control information, birth control methods, and referral services where needed. Confidential services are offered. They accept all forms of Medicaid and offer a sliding fee scale for those with low or no income to determine costs of services on an individual basis.
- Family Services
- 1200 S. Broad Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- When an unplanned pregnancy occurs, Family Services is there to confidentially help with all of your decisions. There are on-site therapists who can help you plan for all your needs. If you cannot get to their office, they can meet you at your home or in another place where you feel comfortable.
- Healthy Beginnings
- Healthy Beginnings is a free case management service through Forsyth County that provides a support system for minority women in the community during their pregnancy and up to two years after delivery. Families will receive one-on-one care management through home visits and education on health topics through group educational sessions.
- North Star LGBTQ+ Community Center
- 930 Burke St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
- North Star is partnered with a variety of national and local organizations and is dedicated “to foster community across intersecting identities through advocacy, compassion, education and service.” They provide monthly free STI testing, Safe Zone Trainings, a Trans Clothing Closet, and an on-site library.
- Novant Health
- Various locations in Winston-Salem
- Offers free screenings, affordable classes and educational tools to help you stay informed about your health. STI testing and pregnancy testing are also available.
- Planned Parenthood
- 3010 Maplewood Ave, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
- Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education and information to millions of people worldwide. They provide STI testing, pregnancy tests and resources and general health services to people with or without insurance.