Safer Sex: #WeGotYouCoveredPanthers

Follow BeWellPanthers on social media and the #WeGotYouCoveredPanthers to learn about strategies to prevent HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) through barrier methods, abstinence, and testing. Check out the online magazine BeWell Panthers has a section specifically related to sexuality.
Student Health Promotion distributes condoms and other safer sex supplies to students through mail delivery service, Student Health Promotion office locations (75 Piedmont Avenue, Suite 243), and other campus programming.

How to request a condom pack? Click here.

  • Request 1 condom pack per month (i.e., 6-8 male/external condoms plus lubricant).
    • Students can also request additional items: flavored condoms, non-latex condoms, and dental dams.
    • Supplies are limited and we will do our best to fulfill requests.
  • Requests can be made through this online request form.
    • Students will need to provide their Panther ID, mailing address, and all other requested information.
    • Students living off campus will receive their condom packets in the mail. Mailings can only be sent to students within the continental United States and may take up to 10 business days.
    • Students living on campus will be emailed a date and time to pick up their condom packets at the Student Health Promotion office (2nd floor of 75 Piedmont).
  • Receive additional information about testing sites and locations to pick up condoms on campus (i.e., Health Clinic).

How to use a condom properly? View a short YouTube

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), correctly using male/external condoms and other barriers like female/internal condoms and dental dams, every time, can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and viral hepatitis. Using external (male) and internal (female) condoms correctly, every time, can also help prevent pregnancy. Remember the fist step to using a condom (or other safer sex supplies) is giving/receiving consent. Check out the #YesToConsentPanthers campaign.

Where to go for HIV/STI testing?

  • Make an appointment at the Georgia State University Student Health Clinic.
    • Students can make appointments with the providers using a telehealth option. Please go to the patient portal or call 404-413-1930 to schedule an appointment.
  • Use the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention testing locator or call  1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

What to know about sex and COVID-19?

The New York City NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has some excellent guidance on safer sex during these times. Below are a few basic tips from NYC Health on how to enjoy sex and to avoid spreading COVID-19:

  • You are your safest sex partner. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex.
  • The next safest partner is someone you live with. Having close contact—including sex—with only a small circle of people helps prevent spreading COVID-19. All partners should be consenting.
  • You should limit close contact—including sex—with anyone outside your household. If you do have sex with others, have as few partners as possible and pick partners you trust. Talk about COVID-19 risk like you would other safer sex topics (e.g. PrEP, condoms). So ask: do they have symptoms or have they had symptoms in the last 14 days? Have they been diagnosed with COVID-19? People are considered likely no longer infectious if at least 10 days have passed since the day their symptoms started and if they have not had fever for at least three days.
  • If you usually meet your sex partners online or make a living by having sex, consider taking a break from in-person dates. Video dates, sexting or chat rooms may be options for you.

Thank you to the DeKalb County Board of Health and the Fulton County Board of Health for supplying some of the condoms for the program.