Sexual Health & Consent

Sexual health is part of overall well-being. Understanding consent, communicating with partners, using protection and getting appropriate health care can help you make informed decisions that are right for you. RISE provides sexual health education and connects Texas Tech students with free products and additional campus and community resources.

On This Page

• Understanding Consent
• Contraception & Protection
• Condom Use
• Free Condoms & Menstrual Products
• STIs & Prevention
• STI Testing
• Sexual Health Resources

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Understanding Consent

Texas Tech University defines consent as mutually understandable words or actions, actively communicated both knowingly and voluntarily, that clearly convey permission for a specific activity.

Consent is an ongoing process. It should be communicated throughout an interaction and can be withdrawn at any time, verbally or nonverbally.

Consent Must Be

• Voluntary: Consent cannot result from force, threats, intimidation, coercion or manipulation.
• Communicated: Silence cannot be assumed to mean consent. Partners should communicate what they do and do not want.
• Ongoing: Consent is needed throughout an interaction and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Specific: Consent to one activity does not automatically mean consent to another.
• Given by someone capable of consenting: A person who is incapacitated, unconscious or asleep cannot consent.

It is the responsibility of the person initiating an activity to make sure their partner has consented. A person does not have to physically resist or say "no" for consent to be absent or withdrawn.

Consent is not valid when a person's ability to make a voluntary decision has been eliminated by circumstances such as incapacitation, force, intimidation or coercion.

For information about sexual misconduct, university policy, reporting options and supportive measures, visit the Office for Student Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct.

Sexual Misconduct Resources & Support

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Contraception & Protection

Contraceptive methods vary in how they work, how they are used and how effective they are at preventing pregnancy. A health care provider can help you compare options based on your health, preferences and goals.

Methods of contraception can include:

• Implants
• Intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Birth control shots
• Birth control pills, patches or rings
• External and internal condoms
• Diaphragms and other barrier methods
• Emergency contraception

Condoms are an important option because they can help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections in addition to helping prevent pregnancy. Most other contraceptive methods do not protect against STIs.

Student Health Services can provide medical guidance about contraception, STI prevention, testing and other sexual health needs.

Visit Student Health Services

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Condom Use

External and internal condoms are barrier methods that can help reduce the risk of pregnancy and STI transmission when used correctly and consistently.

External Condom Tips

• Check the expiration date before use.
• Open the package carefully to avoid damaging the condom.
• Use a new condom for each sexual activity.
• Make sure the condom is placed correctly before sexual contact.
• Use appropriate lubrication to help reduce friction and breakage.
• Hold the base of the condom during withdrawal to help prevent slipping.
• Dispose of used condoms in the trash.

Internal Condom Tips

• Check the expiration date and package before use.
• Follow the instructions included with the product for correct placement.
• Make sure the condom is not twisted.
• Use appropriate lubrication as needed.
• Do not use an internal and external condom at the same time because friction can increase the chance of breakage.
• Use a new condom for each sexual activity.

Why Condoms May Break

• The condom is expired or damaged.
• There is not enough lubrication.
• The condom was stored improperly.
• The condom was not applied correctly.
• Two condoms were used at the same time.

Store condoms in a cool, dry place and avoid locations where they may be exposed to prolonged heat, friction or damage.

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Free Condoms & Menstrual Products

RISE provides free condoms, lubricant and menstrual products to Texas Tech students. Drane Hall, Suite 247, generally has the widest selection of products available through RISE.

Free Condom Locations

• Drane Hall: Near the RISE office, Suite 247
• University Recreation: Fitwell Office
• Student Wellness Center: Near the pharmacy and Student Counseling Center
• Student Union Building: Near Fraternity & Sorority Life restrooms
• Student Enrichment Center: Near restrooms

View the Interactive Condom Map

Free Menstrual Product Locations

Free menstrual products are also available in buildings across campus.

• University Recreation
• Student Wellness Center
• Charles E. Maedgen Jr. Theatre
• Science Building
• Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering
• Student Union Building
• Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Student Enrichment Center
• Doak Hall
• Drane Hall

View the Interactive Menstrual Product Map

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STIs & Prevention

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Many STIs may cause few or no noticeable symptoms, which means testing is an important part of sexual health.

Common Types of STIs

Bacterial infections can include chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. These infections can generally be treated with antibiotics, and early diagnosis can help prevent complications.

Viral infections can include HIV, herpes and HPV. Treatment and management vary depending on the infection. Vaccination can help prevent certain infections, including HPV.

Parasitic infections can include trichomoniasis, pubic lice and scabies. Treatment is available for these infections.

Reducing STI Risk

• Use condoms or other appropriate barrier methods correctly and consistently.
• Talk with partners about STI testing and sexual health.
• Get tested based on your sexual activity, health history and recommendations from a health care provider.
• Consider recommended vaccines, including HPV and hepatitis vaccines.
• Talk with a health care provider about HIV prevention options such as PrEP or PEP when appropriate.
• Seek medical care if you notice symptoms or believe you may have been exposed to an STI.

Testing and honest communication allow you and your partners to make informed decisions about sexual health.

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STI Testing

Because many STIs can occur without symptoms, testing may be recommended even when you feel healthy. A health care provider can help determine which tests are appropriate and how often you should be tested.

On-Campus Testing

Lubbock Testing Resources

Additional STI testing is available through community health providers. Services, costs, appointment requirements and testing options can change, so contact the provider directly before visiting.

If you have symptoms, believe you may have been exposed to an STI or have questions about which tests you need, contact a health care provider.

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Sexual Health Resources