Sexual Health

After receiving SOBER CONSENT:

1. Check expiration date and check if condom has air pocket in center. A good condom will always have an air pocket in the middle of it
2. Arousal/Foreplay
3. Erection
4. Push condom to one side of package and open carefully along perforated edge
5. Do NOT use your teeth, scissors or any other sharp object to open
6. Be aware of fingernails and jewelry
7. Visibly inspect condom for any obvious holes or perforations and to see if you are about to roll the condom on the right way.
8. Dab a TINY amount of water-based lubricant inside the condom or on the tip of the penis. REMEMBER that oil-based lubricants will break down the latex and cause the condom to break!
9. Pinch the tip of the condom (to create a space for the ejaculate to go)
10. Place condom (with tip pinched) on tip of erect penis
11. Roll condom ALL the way to the BASE of the penis
12. If you accidentally put condom on upside down (i.e., it will not roll down the penis), THROW THE CONDOM AWAY and get a NEW one – DO NOT continue to use the same condom!
13. Smooth out air bubbles
14. Consensual sex (oral, vaginal or anal)
15. Ejaculation
16. Hold base of condom and withdraw penis BEFORE loss of erection
17. Take condom off carefully and AWAY from your partner
18. Throw condom away in the trash can (do NOT flush down the toilet)!
19. Wash hands with soap and water
20. Repeat these steps for each and every sexual act

You can also create a dam by:

1. Cutting the tip off of a condom and cutting the condom length-wise.
2. Cutting the fingers off of a latex glove and cutting the glove up the thumbs.
3. Using a piece of non-microwavable saran wrap

After receiving SOBER CONSENT:

1. Check expiration date and check if condom has air pocket in center. A good condom will always have an air pocket in the middle of it
2. Arousal/Foreplay
3. Erection
4. Push condom to one side of package and open carefully along perforated edge
5. Do NOT use your teeth, scissors or any other sharp object to open
6. Be aware of fingernails and jewelry
7. Visibly inspect condom for any obvious holes or perforations and to see if you are about to roll the condom on the right way.
8. Dab a TINY amount of water-based lubricant inside the condom or on the tip of the penis. REMEMBER that oil-based lubricants will break down the latex and cause the condom to break!
9. Pinch the tip of the condom (to create a space for the ejaculate to go)
10. Place condom (with tip pinched) on tip of erect penis
11. Roll condom ALL the way to the BASE of the penis
12. If you accidentally put condom on upside down (i.e., it will not roll down the penis), THROW THE CONDOM AWAY and
get a NEW one – DO NOT continue to use the same condom!
13. Smooth out air bubbles
14. Consensual sex (oral, vaginal or anal)
15. Ejaculation
16. Hold base of condom and withdraw penis BEFORE loss of erection
17. Take condom off carefully and AWAY from your partner
18. Throw condom away in the trash can (do NOT flush down the toilet)!
19. Wash hands with soap and water
20. Repeat these steps for each and every sexual act

For oral sex on a man:

1. Pinch the tip of the condom & place condom on tip of erect penis.
2. Roll condom ALL the way to the BASE of the penis. If you accidentally put condom on upside down (i.e., it will not roll
down the penis), THROW THE CONDOM AWAY and get a new one – DO NOT continue to use the same condom!
3. Smooth out air bubbles.

For oral sex to vagina and/or anus:

1. Create a dental dam by cutting off the tip of the condom and cutting down side of condom. Open up and cover entire
area of the vulva or anus.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Learning the basics about HIV can keep you healthy and prevent HIV transmission. This information and more about how HIV is transmitted can be found at the CDC Website:

Ways HIV Can be Transmitted

Watch this video for a visual demonstration of how to properly put on a condom.  

Condom Demonstration

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks specific white blood cells (CD4+ T cells) in the immune system, which depresses the immune system (hence, "immunodeficiency") so that it cannot function properly.

AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

AIDS is a syndrome, which means it is comprised of many factors, and is identified by a health care provider when a person living with HIV (who is "HIV positive") has at least one of the following:

• A CD4+ T cell count of less than 200 cells/mm3 (normal is between 800 and 1200 cells/mm3)
• One of many AIDS-defining conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1993.
• Most of these conditions are "opportunistic pathogens," which means that they typically do not affect those with healthy immune systems. They have the opportunity to become pathogens in those with compromised immune systems, like people living with HIV.
• See a list of the AIDS-defining conditions.

How does HIV Spread?

HIV is spread by three main behaviors.

1. Unprotected sexual activity (oral, vaginal and anal sex)
2. Injection drug use (sharing needles and other items used during drug use)
3. Vertical transmission (from mother to child either during the actual birthing process or breastfeeding)

Four main body fluids can carry HIV.

1. Blood
2. Semen
3. Vaginal Secretions
4. Breast Milk

Also, synovial joint fluid and brain and spinal fluid (most people do not come into contact with these three fluids)

Window Period

The window period is the time it takes for a person to produce detectable antibodies to HIV after transmitting HIV.

• This can take up to six months after transmitting HIV
• Most people produce detectable antibodies within three months after infection

Some may take up to six months. The Office of Health and Wellness uses a "6-month window period". This means if a person is within the 6-month window period, she/he could receive a negative HIV test result, but really be positive because their body has not produced detectable antibodies. Therefore, it is advisable that the person comes back to get re-tested outside of the 6-month window period.

Websites with More Information

• Office of Health and Wellness
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV/AIDS Prevention page
• American Sexual Health Association
• Smarter Sex
• Kaiser Family Foundation (policy information and daily HIV/AIDS reports)
• The Body

Resource Hotlines

AIDS Info Health Specialist: 800.448.0440
CDC Info:  800.232.4636
CDC National Prevention Information:  800.458.5231

Learn how you can protect yourself by reducing your risk of developing a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD).

Practice Abstinence

The surest way to avoid STDs is to not have sex. This means not having vaginal, oral, or anal sex. 

Use Condoms

Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can help you avoid STDs. Condoms lessen the risk of infection for all STDs. Step by step male condom instructions.

Fewer Partners

Reducing your number of sexual partners can decrease your risk of contracting an STDs. It is still important that you and your partner get tested, and share your test results with one another. 

Talk With Your Partner

Talk with your sexual partner(s) about STDs, and staying safe before having sex. It might be uncomfortable to start the conversation, but protecting your health is your responsibility. 

Get Vaccinated

The most common STD can be prevented by a vaccine. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can help you avoid HPV-related health problems like genital warts and some cancers.

Get Tested

Many STDs don't have symptoms, but they can still cause health problems. To get tested, contact your healthcare provider, or consider the options below:

• Free HIV Testing at the Office of Health and Wellness 419-372-9355
• Falcon Health Center 419-372-2271
• Wood County Community Health and Wellness Center 419-354-9049
• Toledo-Lucas County Health Department ($30 Comprehensive Screening) 419-213-4100

Learn more about prevention.

World AIDS Day is an international event dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. On December 1 of each year people worldwide are given the opportunity to unite in the fight against HIV and show their support for people living with HIV.

Every year BGSU celebrates this day by hosting a panel discussion. This panel discussion covers HIV/AIDS issues and how BGSU students can help end AIDS.