Yes there is!

Gannett's Clinical Counselors are available to listen to your concerns, provide information and answer questions about sexually-related issues in a non-judgemental, supportive setting. The visit is free and completely confidential. And trust us, there is nothing that they haven't heard. So take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about your sexual health.

First, students need to decide what kinds of sexual behaviors they enjoy, are comfortable with and are ready to engage in and take responsibility for. Depending on the answer, Gannett can provide sexual health support, information and medical care. Regular examinations (for women, an annual gynecological exam; for men, a testicular self-exam) are good screening tools for all students. Depending on your sexual behaviors, Gannett provides safer sex supplies, testing, early intervention and treatment and counseling on sexuality, identity, relationships, intimacy and many other related issues. Talk with your healthcare provider about your needs and we'll do our best to provide guidance, assurance and information to keep you healthy.

Gannett provides complete, comprehensive sexual health care for all of your needs. A free confidential Clinical Counselor visit can help you clarify values and learn about sexual health options. Our medical staff provides sensitive, confidential care related to all sexual health needs. The pharmacy carries a wide range of supplies. CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) can help students examine personal issues related to sexuality, identity, and intimacy.

Pregnancy occurs following a process of "insemination," when a man's sperm and female's egg meet in the fallopian tubes of a woman's reproductive system, and the newly-formed embryo makes it way to the uterus where it implants itself in the uterine lining. This process can happen naturally, or artificially.

In "nature", the most common way for sperm and egg to meet is through penile-vaginal intercourse. However, pregnancy can also occur without intercourse or after intercourse (usually by accident) if sperm is deposited outside the vagina but on or near the vulva. In this case, the sperm makes it way up the vagina, through the cervix, where it finds its way to the fallopian tubes.

In this highly technical age, however, new reproductive technologies utilizing "artificial" insemination and implantation are being developed to make pregnancy possible for those for whom the previously-described method is either problematic or impossible.

While the majority of women ovulate approximately 14 days after their period begins (the first day of the menstrual cycle), some will ovulate (be fertile) at other times during their cycle (including during their period) which could result in pregnancy. Sperm have been know to live up to five days in a woman's reproductive tract. Therefore, though not as likely as during ovulation, intercourse just prior to the start of menstruation can still lead to a pregnancy. 

So, if you know you want to avoid pregnancy, it is recommended that a contraceptive method be used all the time, even when a woman is menstruating. Remember, hormonal contraceptives protect from pregnancy even during menstruation.

Visit our pharmacy and see our list of sexual health supplies. The pharmacy is conveniently located on level 3 in Gannett opposite the front door and carries low cost, over-the-counter  supplies for you and your partners.

There are male condoms (many different types, sizes, and brands to choose from) and the female condom (also known as the Reality Condom). Both provide good protection against disease and unplanned pregnancy when used consistently and properly.

The steps for proper male condom use are important to know. For some, the female condom provides a good alternative source of protection.

Both types of condoms can be purchased at Gannett's Pharmacy. And don't hesitate to ask questions. That is what the staff is there for!

In it's simplest term, an orgasm is the "peak, or climax of sexual excitement."  There are emotional and physical components to an orgasm and men & women often experience many different pleasurable sensations that can all be considered an orgasm. Some sensations appear mild, some sensuous, while others are intense and explosive.  For men, many associate "coming" (ejaculation) as synonymous to orgasm.  but according to its given definition, it is possible for men to have an orgasm without necessarily "coming."  Try not to focus too much on the technicality of it all; just relax, stay in the moment and enjoy the pleasure of your sexual experiences. 

Answers:

No, douching will NOT protect you from pregnancy.

No, you will NOT go blind if you masturbate.

There are hundreds of sexual myths floating around. Some are fun and relatively harmless (there is not evidence that oysters act as an aphrodesiac, but if you like oysters, go for it), while others could mislead you (in reality, douching with coke does not prevent pregnancy). One way to determine truth is to consider where you got the information. Did you hear this from a friend in sixth grade or in a health class?  Myths can be fun and connect us to history and culture. But before doing something you are uncertain about, talk with a clinical counselor, a faculty member, a healthcare provider, your RA or GCA or call Health Promotion (255-4782) and ask to speak to a health educator. Or check out some legitimate web sources. For starters, go to Go Ask Alice, a terrific website full of good, solid sexual health information directed at college students.

Yes.  Visit our Sexual Health Resource Guide once it is up and running for web links to topics such as disease prevention, men & women's sexual health, LBGTQ health etc.

Absolutely not. Although a lot of guys may feel pressure to perform sexually, it's never a good idea to take a medication like Viagra (or any other) without first seeing and receiving your own prescription from a doctor. A new trend is emerging where young men are taking Viagra as a sexual enhancer even though they are not experiencing any problem. Some are even getting Viagra from street vendors, the internet or by taking someone else's prescription. Taking any prescription medication for recreational use may  have serious consequencess, especially if taken in combination with other drugs.
The best way to address performance anxiety is through counseling and talking with your sexual partner/s. Gannett offers individual and couples counseling. If it is determined that you do have erectile dysfunction, a health care provider will be able to provide you with the best and safest treatment.

There has been no comprehensive survey of Cornell students' sexual behavior in recent years. However, the CORE Alcohol and Drug survey administered on campus during the Fall 2005 included a few questions that are related. The survey was sent to a random sample of 5000 Cornell students. There was a 41% response rate.

The survey found that:

51.2% of the students reported engaging in sexual intercourse within the past year. Although this does not address other sexual behaviors, it does suggest that a significant percentage of students on campus may not be sexually active.

Of these, 22.8% used alcohol the last time they had intercourse. Interestingly, students may find alcohol to be a "turn off". Approximately 1 out of four (23.9%) thought a sexual partner was unattractive because he/she was drunk.

Approximately 10% of women reported having been taken advantage of sexually due to their alcohol consumption during the past year.  Approximately 5% of men reported the same. Most of these incidents occurred off-campus.

A cute bit of info that's repeated thoughout the site
(e.g., staff lists).