Sexual Health

It’s important to feel comfortable and safe when having sex.If you have any worries relating to sex or relationships then you can always discuss them with a Dr WHO, a member of Welfare Subcommittee or a Peer Supporter in complete confidence.

Sexual Health Supplies

At Balliol, the Welfare Subcommittee runs a comprehensive sexual health programme, funded by an optional 80p termly levy. They supply the following sexual health products free of charge:

  • Condoms
  • Pregnancy tests
  • Lubricant
  • Dental dams

If you would like any of the above, the easiest thing to do is to send an email or matrix message to one of the Drs WHO stating what you need. Something like the following is perfectly fine!

Subject: Condoms

Condoms please.

We'll place them in your pigeon hole and forget it ever happened. Alternatively, you can ask any member of Welfare Subcommittee in person. If you'd prefer to request condoms anonymously, leave a note in one of our pigeon holes and we'll leave some condoms in there for you (with your note so you know they belong to you). 

Condom Machine

There is a condom machine in the bathroom at the bottom of staircase 16 - which is also free - so please use this if you need condoms urgently and don’t have time to ask one of us. A second concom machine can be found in the the Laundry Room in Jowett Walk, at the bottom of Tower 2. Finally, there will ususually be a bag of supplies in the pidges of either of the Drs WHO, which you can also feel free to take. If you find any of these locations have run out, please do let us know ASAP - we try to check them regularly but we're much quicker to restock them if someone tells us!

Morning After Pill

In emergencies, it's important to know the best ways to get hold of emergency contraception. Luckily, there is lots of provision around Balliol in this case.

The morning-after pill can be prescribed for free by the college nurse who can be found at the following places and the following times. This is probably the easiest way to get hold of it.

  • Balliol mainsite, Staircase 22 room 1: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30-11:15, and Wednesday 13:45-15:30. 
  • Hollywell Manor 14:15- 15:45 on Monday and 15:15- 16:45 on Thursday.
  • The nurse 

If it's outside of these hours, or more convenient, JCR members are encouraged to call 19 Beaumont street (01865 240501) as close to 8:00am as is possible for an emergency appointment. The pill will then be prescribed for free by a doctor to be picked up from Boswells or Boots.

If JCR members live out towards Cowley, it might make more sense to go to the Rectory Centre, which is located down Rectory Road, just off of Cowley Road ( 0345 730 4030). They can prescribe free emergency contraception along with useful other things like pregnancy tests, telephone advice, various forms of contraception and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. Opening hours and a map can be found here: https://www.sexualhealthoxfordshire.nhs.uk/condoms/safety-c-card-scheme/...

If it's a Sunday, or it is not possible to get another appointment for any reason, the Women’s Officers can fully reimburse the cost of the morning-after pill. Obviously it is very important that you get hold of the pill as soon as possible, so in this scenario it is best to buy it from Boots and pidge the Women’s Officers the receipt so that they can refund you.

If you’re ever in any doubt, get in touch with the Drs WHO or the Women’s Officers for more information or advice!

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