College is filled with freedom and attractive people, and it’s likely you’ll have an intimate relationship with at least one of them. Your first college fling can seem intimidating. You don’t want to be too clingy or too closed-off. You might not feel like you have enough experience. You also have the stress of balancing classes and your social life. Don’t worry too much about what other people might think.
Sex can be a great way to destress and get the most out of your college experience. It’s also an important element of intimacy between two people in a relationship. Whatever sex means to you, there are some things to keep in mind before engaging in the act. You should make sure that you’re ready and making smart choices. Here are four tips to make sure your first fling is as good as it can be.
1. Use Birth Control
Help protect your future and peace of mind by regularly using birth control. Birth control can give you a sense of comfort and control in your sex life. There are many options to choose from including the pill, shot, and patch. Some added benefits of birth control are that it can regulate your menstrual cycle as well as reduces acne breakouts.
Finding the right birth control can be a journey. Don’t be discouraged if the first one you try isn’t the right fit for you and your lifestyle. If you forget to take a pill everyday, a monthly shot might work best for you while you’re busy with classes. If you can’t get away from college long enough for an appointment, you might consider an intrauterine device that can last years. Speaking to a doctor about your daily habits may help you find the birth control that works best for you.
Birth control can reduce stress related to accidental pregnancy. College is tough enough without a little one running about, and if that’s not what you want, you should take precautions. It’s best to begin your method of birth control prior to being intimate because some birth controls take a month to be effective. Once you’ve started, you can feel more confident and less worried during your romantic endeavors.
2. Give and Receive Consent
Consent is getting and giving permission for something to happen, and it’s especially important in sexual relationships. Always ask for consent from your partner before any activities. It’s important to ask for consent instead of assuming. If your partner says no or hesitates, then you need to stop. Respect your partner by giving them space and allowing any time or communication they may need. Consent can be given and taken away at any time and boundaries may change.
Learn to advocate for yourself by setting boundaries. Set ground rules before engaging in any sexual activity. These rules can include sex with a condom, aftercare, or regular STI testing. Respect the boundaries of others. Discuss what you want and do not want sexually. Boundaries provide comfort and a sense of safety for both parties.
3. Use a Condom
Practice safe sex by using condoms. Condoms protect you from pregnancy and STIs. It’s a great idea to pair condoms with another birth control method for added effectiveness. If you’re allergic to latex, lambskin condoms do not protect against STIs. It’s also important to note, you shouldn’t store condoms anywhere they can get damaged like in a wallet or car. The change in temperature and regular wear and tear can make the condom less effective.
It’s crucial to bring your own condoms so you know they are effective. While you may think your partner is going to bring a condom, it’s your responsibility too. If you both assume the other person will bring the protection, then it’s likely neither of you will bring it. It’s better to have two condoms than none. You might even need both. Proper usage is essential with this type of protection. If you start putting a condom on the wrong way, then start over with a new one.
4. Get STI Tested Regularly
Keep yourself safe by regularly testing for STIs. It’s recommended to test between partners or annually, if you are sexually active. Encourage your partner to get tested before any sexual contact. STIs are much more easily treated when discovered in the beginning stages. You could test positive for an STI and not have experienced any symptoms.
If you find that you have an STI, you need to inform past partners. You can contact them yourself, or most doctor’s offices have a way to contact your partners anonymously. If you have an STI and do not get tested, it can lead to further health problems that are lifelong. HPV can lead to certain cancers, and chlamydia and gonorrhea can both lead to infertility. It’s better to get tested and know then put yourself and people you care about in danger.
Takeaways
You can be confident in your first college fling by following these four tips. You deserve to have a fun, safe, and consenting time. It’s normal to feel nervous about your first college fling, but it is not normal to feel scared or unsafe. Pick a partner that you can trust, whether it’s a fling or a full-fledged relationship. Then protect yourself and your partner by practicing safe sex and open communication. Preparing for your first fling can help build confidence and ensure safety.
