Warwick given “third” for sexual health

**The University of Warwick was ranked 18th out of the 24 Russell Group universities in sexual health.**

According to a Sexual Health Report compiled by DrEd, a multinational healthcare organisation, the University scored a 49 percent and was graded with a ‘third degree’ in sexual health.

The report investigates the opening hours of health centres, the ease of accessibility in obtaining sexual health information, the location of health centres, the ease of accessibility in obtaining contraceptives, the provision of sexual health testing and the quality of sexual assault services.

The University attained the lowest grades in drop-ins or bookings for sexual health information, sexual health information on the website, contraceptive access, special events and testing and their sexual assault services.

DrEd attributed the low marks on contraceptive access to the lack of variety of contraceptive options offered and that there was not a specific condom scheme in place.

Shareen Rikraj, first-year Psychology undergraduate, however, commented: “I don’t think it should be important that the University offers a ‘wide variety’ of condoms as long as the condoms they provide are effective, even if they are not from brands like Durex.”

DrEd also stressed that though the University had a sexual assault counselling service, no detailed information on sexual assault was found on the main University websites, there was no separate sexual assault website and no University sexual assault hotline.

DrEd found the lack of sexual health information around campus most worrying. The University Health Centre did not accept drop-ins for sexual health issues, nor was there much, if any, sexual health information displayed or distributed around campus.

It suggested that a ‘quick win’ would be to improve the promotion of sexual health issues around campus.

Shareen Rikraj, however, thought that less emphasis should be put on sexual health education: “I think that promoting sexual health information is important, but there is also the danger of the University over working itself and putting too much emphasis on sexual health. The University should focus on providing contraceptives twenty four seven.”

When asked why the quality sexual health services in universities should be treated as an important issue, James Porter, an associate of DrEd, said: “Testing and treatment services are only as good as the number of people they can reach out to. Universities are in a prime position to communicate, educate and encourage testing…”

Dr Jasper Mordhorst, DrEd Clinical Consultant replied to the question: “Despite [good sexual health services in the UK generally], in the under 25 age group, sexual health issues remain critical.

“Roughly 10 percent of under 25’s still carry chlamydia, and chlamydia remains the number one reason women can’t conceive in later life.”

He also said: “Young people tend to change partners much more than other age groups, so transmission rates of STI’s are much higher.”