During times of resurging threats to women’s bodily autonomy, those seeking intimacy should prepare preemptively and regularly get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Young adults, however, may find it hard to be prepared because of the persistent struggle of affording contraceptives or obstacles between students and adequate access to medical tools. Luckily, UT San Antonio has their attendees in mind and is a hub of invaluable resources for those in need. Those enrolled in the university can find affordable and reliable resources at and near Main Campus to practice safe sex. Here are five resources that university students should know about.
UT Health and Wellness 360
Near the Recreation Wellness Center is one of the best resources on campus. Students can find free condoms, educational pamphlets and more with assistance from the friendly staff. Wellness 360 is UT San Antonio’s clinic, which offers free STI testing and treatment to all UT San Antonio students.
Tabling on campus
Many UT San Antonio clubs that table year-round on Main Campus offer free condoms, birth control and more to students passing by. My Sister’s Keeper, an organization that advocates for reproductive rights and is run by junior health, aging and society major Darielle Davis, regularly hands out Plan B. They provide information on a wide range of topics, including reproductive justice and health disparities among women of color. The Secular Student Alliance often hands out creative and fun condoms to students, ranging from bubblegum flavored to tattooed designs.
Fourth Floor John Peace Library
In the quiet halls of JPL’s four floor, students will find an eloquent condom machine that gets refilled throughout the semester. Students can take as much as they need, so any ‘Runner that wants to prepare for phallic-focused intimacy should pay the dispenser a visit.
Costco
Although a little further away, in a time crunch, Costco is there. The store sells Plan B for roughly $5-6 in the pharmacy section with no membership required. Sales are limited to two packs per person, but it is still a great resource and a relatively cheap option. The closest location to UT San Antonio is at 5611 UTSA Boulevard.
Online resources
The online platform mistr ships and consults Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and that takes all kinds of insurances. Another great resource is the STD Testing and Treatment on 2140 Babcock Rd., where appointments can be booked online. Planned Parenthood operates the location and offers a variety of services, including testing for chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, trichomoniasis and more, while also providing contraceptives.
For all the college students struggling to find a resource that works for them, these are great options, and these conversations and places are meant to be utilized for students.
