Last Thursday night, I, a freshman at Boston University and writer/editor for Her Campus, attended HCBU’s event promoting women’s sexual health: STIs and Smoothies. I wasn’t sure what to expect… I assumed I was going to be reliving high school health class with a professor showing the class lovely diagrams of sexual organs.
Instead, I was met with two incredible doctors from Boston Children’s Hospital; Amanda French, MD and Erica Thibeault, PA-C, and an amazingly supportive group of young women all there to do the same thing as me: learn.
Photo Credit: NetDoctor
As I took my seat amongst my friends, we giggled as the presentation began because… who wouldn’t? We soon realized that this was much more than just a fun Her Campus event.
The two doctors kept the discussion lively and cracked jokes throughout, making us all feel more at ease as they discussed the importance of protection and taking care of your body.
Photo Credit: MTV
For those who want to know more, here are a few highlights from the discussion:
Always use protection.
The doctors stressed that even though sometimes condoms don’t fully protect against certain STDs, it’s always better to use one; just in case.
Be knowledgeable.
Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes Simplex Virus, Bacterial Vaginosis, Trichomoniasis,
Yeast Vaginitis, Syphilis, HIV, Genital Warts, and Hepatitis are all sexually transmitted diseases to watch out for. To stay informed and learn more about symptoms and treatment go to https://www.cdc.gov/std/.
Don’t go bare down there.
Although it is a current trend for girls to get Brazilian waxes and to shave all of their pubic hair, the doctors recommend leaving at least a small strip or triangle untouched. They stressed that the hair is there for a reason, to protect your privates from becoming infected. Trim, if necessary, but don’t go overboard!
You don’t like douches…neither does your vagina.
Your vagina acts like a self-cleaning oven, it doesn’t need a lot of help. Douches and other similar scented products that you can find in the feminine products aisle are not necessary and can be potentially harmful. Resist infection, just rinse and repeat instead!
Overall, the event was not only very informational, but it showed everyone in attendance the importance of being informed. Your body is the only one you have so women’s sexual health is a crucial but often overlooked topic. I’m happy to be a proud member of an organization like HCBU that focuses on subjects that young women both want and need to hear about.
Cover Photo Credit: Lifestyle Brands
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