Michaelmas is a busy term for all new and returning students, and as this one comes to an end, most of us will likely have succumbed to some variant of fresher’s flu, and will be well-versed in how to fend off another. But how much attention do we pay to our sexual health?

Not much, it seems. Boots Online Doctor (a platform for non-urgent medical advice and prescriptions) states that emergency and oral contraception, as well as cystitis (UTI) treatment, are among the most commonly-accessed services by patients aged 18 to 24 years old. Dr Megha Pancholi (GP and sexual health clinical lead for Boots Online Doctor), said that the online services “see a noticeable increase in demand for emergency contraception and cystitis treatment services as the university term begins in September and October each year, compared to the preceding months,” with a 17% and 33% respective increase in customers aged 18-24 accessing these services.

“Prioritising health at university can often fall by the wayside while trying to juggle (many) nights out with (a few) lectures”

Dr Pancholi explains that prioritising health at university can often fall by the wayside while trying to juggle (many) nights out with (a few) lectures, “especially if students haven’t yet registered with a local GP”. This becomes more challenging with regards to sexual health when we “don’t know where to turn to for discreet support”.

So, for those of us still finding our footing in Cambridge, I asked Dr Pancholi: how do we keep the STIs, UTIs, and pregnancy scares at bay?

Condoms are king: Remember that oral and emergency contraception options do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. “Barrier methods such as condoms are the only form of contraception that protect against both unwanted pregnancy and STIs,” says Dr Pancholi – this includes external and internal condoms, as well as other contraceptive options such as diaphragms.

Test, test, test: Dr Pancholi reminds us that “many STIs don’t have any symptoms which means you could have an infection or pass it on easily without knowing.” Lots of STIs require prescribed treatment such as antibiotics, and untreated infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can lead to serious complications such as infertility. Early detection is crucial for protecting yourself and others, and Dr Pancholi suggests that “NHS sexual health clinics are available to everyone and free – although you may have to pay the NHS prescription charge for any prescriptions that may be supplied. Increasingly, at-home self-tests are available to purchase privately including through Boots, both online and in-store, and from Boots Online Doctor.”

Save emergency contraception for emergencies: It’s best to avoid unprotected sex – but sometimes one thing leads to another, and the emergency contraceptive pill saves the day! It should ideally be taken within 3-5 days of having unprotected sex, and can be prescribed at the GP, pharmacy, or by Boots Online Doctor. However, regular use of this ‘morning-after pill’ can disrupt your menstrual cycle, and it is less effective than regular contraception. There are various contraceptive options available, chosen based on your personal preference, circumstance and medical history. Common choices include the oral combined (oestrogen/progesterone) or mini (progesterone-only) pills. Dr Pancholi urges students to “consult with a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of each option and determine the most suitable method for you.”

“Dr Pancholi urges students to “consult with a doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of each option””

Don’t forget to urinate after sex: Urinary tract infections are uncomfortable to say the least, but can also lead to more serious infections of the bladder, kidneys, and the tubes connecting them (the ureters) if left unchecked. Dr Pancholi points out a recent rise in NHS hospital admissions linked to UTIs and delayed treatment, and stresses the importance of maintaining good hygiene to avoid infection. There are many ways to reduce the risk of developing a UTI, such as “staying hydrated, urinating regularly, peeing after sex to help flush out bacteria, wiping front to back after using the toilet, and avoiding perfumed soaps or products on your intimate areas.” Wearing tight clothing can also increase the risk of a UTI, which Dr Pancholi says are often associated with symptoms like “pain or a burning sensation when urinating, needing to urinate more often, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.” UTIs are more common in individuals with female anatomy, and those aged 16-64 can access advice and treatment through the NHS Pharmacy First Service, available at Boots stores in England. Alternatively, students can seek help from their GP, especially if you are experiencing recurrent UTIs.

Four steps – easy peasy. So, when you next find yourself hungover with a UTI, and wishing that your mum would ring the GP for you, run through the advice above and remember that there are lots of ways you can access medical care if you aren’t yet set up with a local doctor. And remember, if in doubt, wrap it up!