Valentine’s Day is over! While we gear our eyes toward the romanticism that occurs on the 14th of every February (bouquets, chocolates, and plushies if you're lucky), we often disregard what happens after these declarations, pushing this into the farthest corner of the room. It is in our biological demands that we yearn for sex, yet its discussion still fails to hit the limelight.
"Where do I get a free IUD [Intrauterine Device]?", "How do you get an STD [Sexually Transmitted Disease] test" -- often, these inquiries are relied on the internet and erased from our search histories afterwards. So to bring new light to the discussion, we asked fellow Viscans about their knowledge of available sexual health services, their opinions on their accessibility, and what this says about our political climate.
When asked about their awareness of available sexual health services, Viscans agreed that they are aware of such services. Though admittedly not as educated on the accessibility of all sexual health services.
A Second-Year Computer Science student recalls, “Yes, I am aware of sexual health services available near me, like seminars for awareness specifically HIV/STD [Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Sexually Transmitted Disease] testing and treatment, though some are from what I only heard from my friends.”
"Pharmacies and other drug stores sell contraception, pregnancy tests, and ovulation kits. Other than that, I am not aware of hospitals near me to test for [Sexually Transmitted Diseases]," said Freshman Nursing Student Marc Einjel Mercado.
"...birth control services ([birth control] pills, IUDs, &, etc.) are offered by local clinics however [they’re] not easily accessible to students.", uttered Faith Marey Aquino, a junior from Forestry who thinks that services still have reservations.
Tourism Management student Palermo Perandos said that the cases of STIs are rampant and inflating; he added, “...it’s essential to refer to official health sources, LGU, or university health services for the most accurate and up-to-date information on the health status of our community and here in VSU,”.
Yet, Mercado thinks that the reason why sexual health services are not as accessible is due to numerous factors.
“The state of our sexual health services is lacking and lagging behind. Some services are hard to come by and/or [are] expensive. It is due in part to a conservative mindset that the country still possesses, making any conversations related to sex a taboo.”
Although controversial, students like Eduard Parilla, a junior in Environmental Science, are willing to get sexual health testing and acknowledge the need for more approachable sexual health services offered by the state such as in VSU.
“I used to be very hesitant when I went to the infirmary to get tested. I think there should be an extra effort for them to provide a comfortable environment, and having better information dissemination of their available sexual health services and contraceptives is a must, especially for us students,” said Parilla.
A Viscan student under the pseudonym “Spice” hoped to have a visible sexual education and consultation at the university to address personal concerns related to sex.
“I just wish our university had an avenue where we can share our concerns about sex and relationships, and in return be advised on the right thing to do just like in the “Sex Education” series,” Spice added.
The narratives of these Viscans about sexual health and the state of the available services continue the call not only for the country, but also for VSU to improve health education, connect them to the health services they need, and make the school environment safer and more supportive of this concern. It is a crucial role for the university to give effective strategies and services to sexual health as the university population increases every year.
As stated by Aquino, “Contrary to popular belief, [accessibility on sexual health services] does not promote premarital sex, it instead gives the individuals a safe way to perform intercourse [which] they would still do anyway.”