Risk Reduction: Strategies

Thinking about risk reduction while sexually active can be overwhelming. You have probably gotten a lot of health information over the years; but sometimes it can feel like whatever you do, it won’t be enough.

Changing or implementing a new health behavior can be liberating and also scary. Whatever you do to lower risk of disease, even the smallest attempted change, is an important step.

Here are some suggestions to get you started.

You can lower your risk of contracting STI's (and/or unplanned pregnancy) in the following ways:

• Participate in relationships that are respectful, pleasurable and affirming.
• Talk frankly with your partner about the kinds of sexual experiences you want (and do not want) to share.
• Specify whether or not you've had past sexual contacts or other risks for infection.
• Visit Gannett for safer sex information, supplies, demonstrations and prescriptions.
• Get tested for STIs and immunized against Hepatitis A and B.
• Agree to specific plans for protection against infection and, if applicable, against unintended pregnancy.
• Buy safer sex supplies (condoms, lubricants, dental dams), and
• Practice using them before being sexual with your partner(s).
• Keep supplies where they are needed.
• Consider the risks associated with sex under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
• Contemplate what challenges (if any) make it difficult to maintain your commitment to practicing safer sex and make plans to circumvent those challenges.
• Get support if you feel confused, frustrated or overwhelmed. Gannett staff are available to discuss these and other sexual health issues 

Sober Sex 

You’ve heard it before:

Alcohol and other drugs impair your decision-making skills and impair your ability to make smart choices.

So what does that really mean?

Alcohol and drugs reduce sexual inhibitions. This is one reason some students enjoy using alcohol. In moderation, it can provide feelings of euphoria that enhance your socializing and help as an icebreaker in social situations. Some men and women report that alcohol enhances the romantic feelings and makes dating a more pleasurable event.

So what is the bad news? Alcohol can impair judgment and interfere with your ability to think clearly and communicate effectively. It can make you do things you wouldn't ordinarily do if you were sober (like have sex with someone you ordinarily wouldn't), dismiss the inclination to engage in safer sex practices (“We can skip using the condom this one time”), and persuade you to engage in practices you might not ordinarily engage in (the “what the heck” feeling).

What do we know about mixing alcohol and sexual activity?

Students may not have rewarding sexual interactions. Alcohol interferes with men’s ability to maintain an erection and interferes with women’s ability to reach orgasm. If sexual satisfaction is important to you, go easy on the alcohol.

People are less likely to engage in safer sex practices when under the influence of alcohol. There are many reasons for this:

• The spontaneity of sexual activity may keep you from planning to have safer sex supplies on hand and available
• You may be unable to use condoms and lube effectively due to lack of coordination from alcohol use
• You may take a “what the heck” approach when under the influence and, against your sober judgment, decide to skip safer sex practices this one time.
• Birth control options may be forsaken due to memory loss (the “uh-oh, I forgot to take my pill" effect).

While alcohol can enhance one’s romantic tendencies, it is generally a better idea to forego extended use of alcohol when sexual activity may be anticipated or even a remote possibility. Instead, get the most of your buzz other times, but practice sober sex. 

Using alcohol as foreplay

It is estimated that 75% of men who perpetrate sexual assault are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Being drunk or high is not a legal defense against a charge of rape. You are responsible for your actions whether or not you are drunk or on drugs. Furthermore, a woman who is drunk or under the influence of drugs may be incapable of consent. Sexual intercourse under these circumstances could be rape.

Women who drink put themselves at greater risk of assault. There is no doubt that women who drink are perceived to be more sexually available than women who do not. You can be targeted because of your intoxication and forced into circumstances that put you at risk of sexual assault. Your ability to perceive what is happening may be dulled due to alcohol or drug use and your usual common sense may not clue you in to the circumstances that put you in danger.

If you are victimized while under the influence, get help. Information about what to do next is available on Gannett's Health Emergencies page. 

Other drugs

There are many drugs out there that you may decide to experiment with, particularly during social events, concerts or raves. Certain drugs, particularly stimulants like Crystal Meth, are said to enhance the sexual pleasure and for men, help them “go all night”. Of course, there are many risks associated with drug experimentation. Know what the risks are before you experiment.

Other parts of Gannett's web site have some helpful information about alcohol and other drugs.