SEXUAL HEALTH
FROM THE CENTER FOR HEALTH EDUCATION & PROMOTION
As the Catholic Church reminds us, sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of his or her body and soul. It especially concerns affectivity, the capacity to love and to procreate, and in a more general way the aptitude for forming bonds of communion with others. Sexuality is an integral part of being human. When occurring within the proper context, love, affection, and sexual intimacy may contribute to healthy relationships and individual well-being. Along with positive aspects of our sexuality, there are potentially negative effects as well. These negative effects may include but are not limited to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and sexual assault, such as forced, coerced or non-consensual sexual behavior.
The Center for Health Education & Promotion (staff and student Peer Health Educators) is sensitive to issues surrounding sexual and reproductive health. We support the right of the individual to make informed decisions and encourage students to seek pastoral support and clarification regarding sexuality and Catholic teachings with Campus Ministry staff. Our programming, services, and resources support and reflect the concept of “Cura Personalis”, or care for each individual person. In addition, the Center encourages open conversations regarding sexual and reproductive health so that students may make informed decisions regarding healthy relationships.
ABOUT SEXUAL HEALTH
Sexual health is influenced by a complex web of factors, ranging from sexual behavior, attitudes and societal factors, to biological risk and genetic predisposition. Sexuality is an integral part of being human. Love, affection and sexual intimacy contribute to healthy relationships and individual well-being. But along with the positive aspects of our human sexuality, there also are illnesses that can affect our sexual health. In addition, irresponsible sexual behaviors can result in undesirable consequences, including unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
WHAT ARE STDs?
Sexually transmitted disease (STD), also known as sexually transmitted infection or (formerly) as venereal disease, is a broad term that refers to more than 20 diseases and syndromes, which may be transmitted through the exchange of body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood; or, in some cases, by kissing, caressing, or direct contact with infected areas. STDs can be serious and painful, and may even have long-term health consequences, including: sterility, chronic infection, scarring of a woman's fallopian tubes, ectopic pregnancy, cancer and death.
Some of the common STDs include, but are not limited to: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and Trichomoniasis.
OUTREACH PROGRAMS AND AWARENESS EVENTS
The Center for Health Education and Promotion staff (Peer Health Educators and Professional Health Education staff) offer a variety of educational and interactive
outreach programs that can be scheduled at your convenience. The outreach programs linked to this health issue are
- Aids Doesn't Discriminate
- Healthy Relationships 101
- Sexual Violence Awareness Week (Events Calendar)
Also available is programming for body art, credit card debt, gambling awareness, and other topics. If there is something that you have an interest in but do not see it listed, please contact us and we will work together to determine what will best meet your needs.
CAMPUS SERVICES
RESOURCES
Our resource area contains brochures, articles, bulletin board packets, books, videos, and handouts on a wide variety of health related topics. If we don't have it, we will help you find it!
ONLINE RESOURCES
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
AREA STD CLINICS & TESTING SITES:
3200 N. 36th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53216
(414)-286-3631
- Hours: Mon & Thurs: 11am-3pm; 4:15-7:15pm
Tues, Wed & Fri: 8-11:15am; 12:30-4:15pm
- Fee: None
- All services are walk-in; first come, first served
1240 East Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414)-272-2144
- Hours: Mon & Tues: 6pm-8:30pm
- Fee: None, but donations gratefully accepted
- STD and HIV testing by appointment only
3251 N. Holton St.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414)-264-8800
- Hours: Mon, Wed & Thurs: 8am - 4pm, by appointment Tues: 8:30am-3pm, by appointment
- Fee: $40 for STD testing, HIV testing is free
*NOTE: Expenses incurred are the student’s responsibility. All referrals are unaffiliated with Student Health Service. Student Health Service assumes no liability for quality of care.
