I sat down with Tufts Health Service’s Dr. Stacey Sperling, who gave me the inside information on what she sees regarding sexual health at Tufts. Please submit your questions in the comment section! This is part two of a three-part series.
1. What are the top things you wish men knew about sexual health? What are the most common questions men ask about sexual health?
I wish men knew about testicular self exams and responsibly did them monthly. [See post Are My Jewels Safe for more information!] Men and women alike are concerned about lumps and bumps, rashes and discharges. Just as women may be a bit hesitant to do breast exams, men may be scared of what they might find.
2. What are any differences you’ve seen over your time here? Are there trends that you’ve noticed in terms of sexual behavior or sexual health?
I’ve been here for eight years. There is much more herpes now. That implies more oral sex, which is, I think, the trend across the country. There is also more HIV being diagnosed in college campuses, which means there is less use of condoms.
3. What is a sexual health risk that most students do not know about?
There is an increase in head and neck cancer (including mouth and throat cancer) from HPV. This is likely a result of increased oral sex. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact (like herpes), not bodily fluids, so it is quite contagious. It can be contracted at any time and may take years to manifest as cancer. Having fewer sexual partners can reduce the risk of contracting and spreading HPV.
NOTE: The CDC highly recommends men and women receive the HPV vaccine. For more information on the connection between HPV and throat cancer, click here.
4. How do I get Emergency Contraception (EC)? On a Monday at 2 pm, or a Saturday at 5 pm? How much does it cost?
EC is available to everyone over 18 at most pharmacies. If it’s during the week, you should come here [to Health Services] and you’ll be charged $15. The sooner you take EC, the better it works. So, if it’s the middle of the night on a Saturday night, you can go to the CVS in Porter Square, which has a 24 hour pharmacy. There is also one in Davis Square, but it’s not 24-hour. If you buy EC at a drug store, you will be asked a few simple questions at the pharmacy counter. [See our post E to the C: A Holla about Emergency Contraception AKA Plan B for more information on EC.]
5. If I came to Health Services and wanted an abortion, what would the process be? Is it offered on Tufts insurance?
You would first take a pregnancy test, and then we could refer you to a clinic that provides abortions. There are many in the area – for instance Planned Parenthood in Davis Square, Harvard Vanguard in Davis Square, and Planned Parenthood in Brookline. Yes, Tufts’ insurance covers abortion. If you have a different insurance, it depends on their coverage.
Stay tuned next week for another installment of insider-info from Dr. Sperling. And please submit any additional questions in the comment section!
