Search Results

Help Sex Out Loud distribute condoms and other safer sex supplies throughout dorms, campus housing, classes, and other facilities. Promote Safer Sex BECOME A CONDOM CONDUIT Help Sex Out Loud distribute condoms and other safer sex supplies throughout dorms, campus housing, classes, and other facilities. REQUIREMENTS Attend 1 Volunteer/Training Orientation Afterward, you will email the Engagement Coordinator with your Full Name and Details of Who/Where you are supplying your safer sex supplies to (and notify them of any changes) the Attend Monthly Check-In with engagement coordinator Distribute Safer Sex Supplies to Campus, Condom Conduits will be provided training and supplies to distribute across the campus following the completion of training. Email engagement.sexoutloud@gmail.com for more information on ways you can get involved. Mail

Pregnancy in college can raise many anxieties, fears, and questions. Find some answers to some of the most commonly asked pregnancy-related questions asked by UW Madison students! PREGNANCY FAQ Whether an exciting and intentional decision or completely unexpected, a pregnancy in college can raise many anxieties, fears, and questions as we make decisions which feel best for us moving forward. Below we provide some answers to some of the most commonly asked pregnancy-related questions asked by UW Madison students! There are no wrong answers in this journey! No matter what decision you make in your pregnancy, know that you are respected, supported, and fought for by Sex Out Loud. How do I know if i'm pregnant? Will UW Madison Help me? Will I qualify for government aid? How do I choose a doctor? What is a birth plan, and how do I develop mine? Title IX protects you! Title IX protects members of our campus community from discrimination against pregnant and parenting students on the basis of sex. A full list of protections can be found here! Pregnant and parenting student rights include: 1. equal access to schools and activities 2. to choose to participate in separate programs for pregnant or parenting students 3. to be excused for absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as is deemed medically necessary by the student's physician 4. To attend class and school activities without submitting a doctor's note A non-exhaustive list of accommodations: parking permits, elevator keys, backdated withdrawals, incompletes, extended deadlines, excused absences. Navigating government aid can be a confusing process, and while we can't claim to be experts, we want to reassure you that there are programs in place to help. The following is a nonexhaustive list of government aid programs that may be handy to you and your family. WIC (Women, Infants, & Children) WIC serves: pregnant people, those who are breastfeeding, postpartum folks, infants, & toddlers and children up to 5 years of age Wide range of supports including formula and breast feeding support More information on eligibility SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Programs) Formerly known as "food stamps" - functions as a debit card to purchase food items at authorized SNAP grocery stores and some farmers markets Eligibility based on specific resource and income limitations Badgercare Provides free or low-cost medical benefits to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant folks, seniors, and folks with disabilities. More information on specific qualifications For further explanation of benefits including information on how to apply! You may qualify for benefits! Stack your team with people and providers you trust! You deserve healthcare that makes you feel safe & supported. Many factors contribute to a healthy pregnancy, but good prenatal care and a trusted healthcare provider can make all the difference! Primary Care Physician: Your first step! PCPs will confirm the pregnancy and help you choose a specialist to monitor your pregnancy moving forward. Some family practice providers will work to provide prenatal care and attend pregnancies. OB-GYN: Obstetrics deals specifically with pregnancy, while gynecology involves care to the entire reproductive system outside of pregnancy. OB-GYNs exclusively practice in hospital environments. Midwife: Work similarly to an obstetrician, though outside of surgical environments and can be a great option for lower-risk pregnancies. Midwives assist in deliveries that happen in hospitals, homes, or birthing centers. Doula: A doula works as a trained labor companion. While not trained healthcare professionals, they primarily work to offer emotional support throughout the pregnancy and work to advocate for your needs during birth. Doulas offer support and advice postpartum. Helpful Tips: Pregnancy tests are available for free at the Campus Women's Center and through UHS! The earliest signs of pregnancy often evoke symptoms similar to PMS in the body. These symptoms may include tender or swollen breasts, fatigue, slight bleeding or cramping, nausea, headaches, mood swings, or no symptoms at all! At the end of the day, the best way to tell if we're pregnant is to simply take a test! Urine pregnancy tests work by detecting levels of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), a hormone which increases rapidly in the body during pregnancy. During pregnancy, our body's hCG levels double every 36 - 48 hours with peak levels occurring at around 10 weeks. Blood tests, which test for the same hormone, are also available through our healthcare providers. Pregnancy tests are widely available but can drastically range in price. Pro tip: tests from the dollar store are a cheap and effective option! We can also pick up a test at any drug store, through UHS, the Campus Women's Center, online retailers, Planned Parenthood, & more! Stack your team with people and providers you trust! You deserve healthcare that makes you feel safe & supported. Many factors contribute to a healthy pregnancy, but good prenatal care and a trusted healthcare provider can make all the difference! Primary Care Physician: Your first step! PCPs will confirm the pregnancy and help you choose a specialist to monitor your pregnancy moving forward. Some family practice providers will work to provide prenatal care and attend pregnancies. OB-GYN: Obstetrics deals specifically with pregnancy, while gynecology involves care to the entire reproductive system outside of pregnancy. OB-GYNs exclusively practice in hospital environments. Midwife: Work similarly to an obstetrician, though outside of surgical environments and can be a great option for lower-risk pregnancies. Midwives assist in deliveries that happen in hospitals, homes, or birthing centers. Doula: A doula works as a trained labor companion. While not trained healthcare professionals, they primarily work to offer emotional support throughout the pregnancy and work to advocate for your needs during birth. Doulas offer support and advice postpartum. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF MORE INFORMATION REGARDING RESOURCES REACH OUT TO SOL VIA EMAIL, SOCIAL MEDIA, OR IN PERSON

PAGE NOT FOUND You can return to the homepage and try again. Go to Home Page

Work with Us Sex Out Loud is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with student organizations, campus groups, and community partners who share our commitment to sexual health, pleasure, and empowerment. Whether you’re looking to co-host an event, bring us to your space for tabling, or explore other creative collaborations, we’d love to work with you! Collaborative Events We love working with other organizations to create engaging, sex-positive programming that meets the needs and interests of diverse communities. Past collaborations have included: Clothing Swap with ReWear It WI – A sustainable event to break up with fast fashion. Aphrodisiac Workshop with The People's Farm and Slow Food UW – An exploration of food, pleasure, and intimacy. Sex-Positive Ad Libs with WUD Publications Committee – A fun, interactive night of sex-positive Mad Libs. If you have an idea for an event or would like to brainstorm one together, let’s talk! We’re always open to creative programming that aligns with our mission. Tabling at Your Event Want to make your event more inclusive, informative, and sex-positive? Invite Sex Out Loud to table! Our tabling includes: Free safer sex supplies (condoms, lube, & more!) Educational resources on consent, pleasure, & health Information about our workshops and services Friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to answer questions Tabling is a great way to provide valuable resources to your attendees while supporting a culture of informed and empowered sexuality. Fill Out a Tabling Request Let’s Work Together! If you’re interested in collaborating on an event or having us table at your event, reach out to us at Ask.sexoutloud@gmail.com . We’d love to connect and bring sex-positive education to more spaces across campus and beyond!

Deciding which lube is the best is really a matter of personal preference and figuring out what you want to get out of your slippery sexual experience. Lube, Lube, Lube The Wetter the Better! Deciding which lube is the best is really a matter of personal preference and figuring out what you want to get out of your slippery sexual experience. WATER BASED Water-based lubrication is the most basic and generally the least expensive variety of lubrication. It is made by many different brands, so it is easy to find and it is a good place to start if you are just beginning your experimentation with lube. Simply add some lube to whatever you want and slip and slide away, but keep the lube bottle handy because water-based lubrication often requires reapplication. Water-based lubrication can be cleaned relatively easily with plain water, no soap required, and it also won't stain sheets or clothing if a spill should occur. One thing to keep in mind if you decide to use water-based lube is that many varieties—such as K-Y, Wet, and Astroglide—contain glycerin (sugar) and if you or whoever is going to be using the lube is prone to yeast infections, it will be worth your time to find a brand or type that is glycerin-free. Some water-based lubrication that do not have glycerin as an ingredient are Liquid Silk and Play. Other lubes that are water-based can be flavored. Flavored lube is for ORAL use only. There is a great deal more sugar in flavored lubrication, so it is in your best interest to keep them involved in oral situations only. At the Sex Out Loud office we carry the following brands: Slippery Stuff One Oasis Good Clean Love, Vegan Lube SILICONE BASED Silicone-based lubrication is really great if you are looking for a lubricant that is going to last for a long time. This is an "apply it and it's there until you wash it off" sort of lube. Silicone-based lube is great for anal sex because it is long lasting and you won't risk a water-based lubricant drying up. Silicone lube is not for use with silicone toys because the enzymes that keep the silicone a liquid at room temperature will bind to the silicone toy and literally melt it. Silicone-based lubrication is also not the lube to use when you have your favorite sheets on your bed because this lube will stain if it gets onto fabric. But don't let that deter you because silicone is a great lube to try, just lay a towel down and get to it! At the Sex Out Loud Office, we carry the following brands: One Move Velvet Backslide: Anal Formula LUBE WE CARRY *Descriptions from suppliers Almost Naked "delivers a smooth, long-lasting experience. So much so that it’s the top-selling organic lubricant in the U.S.* Almost Naked is water-based with silky, organic aloe that reduces irritation and enhances pleasure. It’s formulated to work with your body, not against it - pH balanced and with a touch of beneficial lactic acid. Almost Naked is also iso-osmolar. It won’t harm sensitive tissue or strip your natural moisture and leave you feeling dry or irritated." ONE, Oasis Silk Premium hybrid lubricant specially formulated to contain optimal amounts of both water and silicone to provide the advantages of both experiences. Longer lasting and silky. Easy to clean. pH balanced to match natural lubrication. Tested and proven compatible with silicone toys. Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms. Leaves skin smooth and hydrated. Developed with doctors and sexual health experts. Oasis Silk may be used during sex or anytime to alleviate discomfort and dryness. ONE, Oasis Silky, gentle formulation for more enjoyable intimate contact. Made from the finest quality ingredients Compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms Waterbased, oil-free lubricant for easy clean up Leaves skin hydrated and smooth Überlube "High-end luxury lubricant. Instead of just being slippery, Überlube is designed to transfer sensation while reducing friction. Überlube feels amazingly silky and performs as long as you’re using it. When Überlube stops being manipulated, it starts to dissipate, leaving skin soft and moisturized, never wet or sticky." Slippery Stuff "Slippery Stuff Gel is made with a special paraben and glycerin-free formula - making it safer for people with sensitive skin and allergies. Using a revolutionary new preservative derived from grains and plants, this all-purpose lube is specially blended to feel like your body’s own natural juices. And it's just as sleek and long-lasting as ever! The extra-thick gel is great for almost anything, including backdoor penetration, fun in the shower, toy play and marathon-long sex! Sippery Stuff is a water-based lube so you can use it safely with all types of condoms and sex toys." Backslide Thick, cushiony, smooth, and long lasting; ID Backslide is the perfect formula for anal sex and pleasure. This unique silicone lubricant not only has super slip, but also contains clove and spilanthes that act as a mild muscle relaxant. This makes penetration easier, but doesn't dull any of the pleasure. It's not only one of the best anal lubricants available, but also one of the thickest. As anal sex becomes more and more popular, Backslide is here to make it the best experience for everyone. Now couples can enjoy mutual pleasure without any of the difficulties, discomfort, or pain. Backslide can also be used as a vaginal lubricant, or for anything else you feel like lubricating. Backslide is clear, tasteless, and odourless. It's also latex compatible, so it's safe to use with most condoms. ONE, Oasis Silk a super-long lasting silicone personal lubricant. Made from the finest quality ingredients. Compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms. Waterless & oil-free

Volunteers have access to exclusive events/discussions with staff. This is an excellent way to get more involved with Sex Out Loud, expand your knowledge, build your resume, and promote healthy sex & sexuality. Promote Safer Sex BECOME A SOL VOLUNTEER Gain first-hand experience in making our programming, holding office hours, tabling, and building friendships across campus. Volunteers also have access to exclusive events/discussions with staff. This is an excellent way to get more involved with Sex Out Loud, expand your knowledge, build your resume, and promote healthy sex & sexuality. REQUIREMENTS Attend 1 Volunteer Orientation/Training (occurs once a semester) Hold 1-2 office hours a week Attend bi-weekly volunteer meetings (flexible) Attend volunteer banquet to celebrate your hard work! OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Work at tabling events Work on continuing education projects Attend staff/volunteer bonding Create stickers, pamphlets, etc. Email engagement.sexoutloud@gmail.com for more information on ways you can get involved. Mail Create & Learn We encourage volunteers to Research Sexual Health, create sticker designs, and pamphlets. As well as overall being a part of our office community. Attend Volunteer Meetings! Explore topics of interest, participate in group activities and take part in workshops!

Gain first hand experience in making our programing, Hold office hours, table, and build friendships across campus! GET INVOLVED Help us to distribute condoms and other safer sex supplies throughout dorms and campus housing! Click for More Condom Conduit Click for More Click for More Click for More Volunteer First-hand experience Holding office hours, tabling, and building friendships across campus! Click for More Employment Sex Out Loud will be hiring for spring semester soon! Check back here for more info. Check out our employment page! Email Engagement.sexoutloud@gmail.com for more!

High-quality brands that Sex Out Loud supports! APPROVED BRANDS The Tool Shed “More than your typical adult store, we provide quality, non-toxic and body-safe products that enhance the sexual lives and relationships of our customers, all in a comfortable, compassionate, and welcoming atmosphere. The Tool Shed is a place where people of all genders and sexual orientations can explore their sexuality in a positive environment and be treated with respect by a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our team knows a lot about the toys and equipment we sell, and we frequently offer workshops and other events where our customers can learn more about a variety of sexuality and relationship topics.” Toolshedtoys.com

Looking for ways to take action and support sexual positivity and equality? We've gathered organizations, funds, and petitions that align with our values to make it easy for you to contribute to a better world. Join us in making a difference, one action at a time. Take Action Looking for ways to take action and support sexual positivity and equality? We've gathered organizations, funds, and petitions that align with our values to make it easy for you to contribute to a better world. Join us in making a difference, one action at a time. "NNAF is a network of 100 abortion funds. Abortion funds are grassroots organizations that support people seeking abortion access. Together, we’re organizing at the crossroads of racial, economic, and reproductive justice." The National Network of Abortion Funds Abortionfunds.org Giving Tuesday for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, support activities to protect and promote reproductive health nationwide. All gifts will be DOUBLED by a generous donor, up to a total of $100,000, until midnight on November 28. Planned Parenthood Action Fund Plannedparenthoodaction.org "Since inception, the organization has been at the forefront of women’s health issues, through comprehensive public education initiatives that promote overall wellness of Black women." The Black Women's Health Imperative bwhi.org SUBMIT A ORGANIZATION OR PETITION Name/Title Enter URL Email OUR MISSION & VALUES Sex Out Loud's mission is to promote healthy sexuality through sex-positive education and activism. We acknowledge that each individual's sexuality is uniquely shaped by all facets of identity and experience. We seek to empower all students by providing inclusive and accessible programs, events, and resources, and by creating safe space where students can freely discuss these issues. Stigma reduction | Peer-to-peer | Pleasure-inclusive Consent culture | Inclusivity & Safer Spaces How does this Organization or petition align with SOL's mission? Submit Thanks for Submitting!

Birth control, also known as contraception, is a safer sex tool that prevents pregnancy through either hormonal or non-hormonal methods. Find out more information on what types are available, and where we can access them. What is Birth Control? Birth control, also known as contraception, is a safer sex tool that prevents pregnancy through either hormonal or non-hormonal methods. Scroll below to find more information on what types are available, and where we can access them. ORAL CONTRACEPTION Also known as "the pill," the oral contraceptive pill comes in two different versions, as listed below. By taking the pill around the same time every day, it prevents pregnancy by elevating hormone levels so eggs aren't released during the time someone could be ovulating. Some pills also thicken the cervical mucus to create a more physical barrier to potential fertilization. Pros: potential to experience lighter, less painful, more regular periods, reduced acne easy to use, easy to control dosage Cons: have to remember to take it around the same time every day potential to experience sore breasts, change in sex drive, nausea, and depression EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 91% with typical use COST: Without insurance: $10-113 /monthly With insurance: free under most plans Combination pill: estrogen/progestin combo 3 weeks of active pills, 1 week placebo which will allow for a monthly period Progestin only pill: also known as the mini pill, only contains progestin continuous active pills for a full menstrual cycle EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 94% with typical use COST: Without insurance: $50- 120/monthly With insurance: free under most plans THE DEPO-PROVERA SHOT The shot is exactly what it sounds like. One shot covers your birth control for three months, after which we need to go in to get another dose. The shot contains progestin only, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. It also thickens the cervical mucus to create a physical barrier between sperm and egg. Pros: private -- no tell tale signs or evidence of taking birth control potential to experience shorter or lighter period only need to worry about it every 3 months safe to take while breastfeeding Cons: must rely on a health care provider to administer contraception potential to experience irregular bleeding and weight gain no way to reverse the side effects of getting the shot until it wears off THE RING Also known by the brand name NuvaRing, this hormonal contraceptive method is a small bendy ring that works by slowly releasing hormones that prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs. It is placed inside of the vagina and left for three weeks, then taken out for a week. Pros: relatively little work to use, only have to remember to put it in and take it out once each month uses lower amounts of localized hormones Cons: have to be super comfortable with your body potential to experience sore breasts, spotting between periods, and change in sex drive EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 91% with typical use COST: Without insurance: $10-113/monthly With insurance: free under most plans THE PATCH Just less than two inches long, the patch is a beige plastic sticker that can be stuck onto any part of the body (except by the breasts if we have them). It releases hormones which prevent the ovaries from releasing eggs, and thickens the cervical mucus to prevent sperm from reaching an egg in the first place. One patch has enough hormones for an entire week until we have to switch it out for a new one. The week we choose not to wear a patch is likely the week we might get a period. EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 91% with typical use COST: Without insurance: $30-44 /per patch With insurance: free under most plans Pros: easy to use, like using a bandaid only have to remember to switch it out once every 7 days potential to experience lighter, more regular periods Cons: only comes in one skin tone (beige) potential to experience irritation where the patch sits on the skin potential to experience change in sex drive less effective for bodies over 198 lbs THE IMPLANT Placed in a category called long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), the implant is a small rod that gets placed in the upper arm. It slowly releases progestin, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickens the cervical mucus. It can prevent pregnancy for up to four years, and they are currently running clinical trials to test for protection up to five years! Pros: only have to think about it every 4 years safe for those who smoke cigarettes, breastfeeding people, and people who cannot take estrogen may improve symptoms from endometriosis Cons: potential to experience initial irregular bleeding potential to experience change in sex drive, scarring from implantation, ovarian cysts EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 91% with typical use COST: Without insurance: full cost of $450-$848 With insurance: free under most plans THE IUD Intrauterine devices (IUDs) come in non-hormonal and hormonal versions, which are explained below. They act as a physical barrier to preventing pregnancy, while also affecting the way sperm swim, thus greatly reducing the chance of impregnation. They offer up from 3-12 years of protection against pregnancy, but have to be inserted by a professional healthcare provider. EFFECTIVENESS: 99% with perfect use 91% with typical use COST: Without insurance: $ With insurance: free under most plans HORMONAL IUD: made of plastic release small amounts of progestin over time to thicken cervical mucus and prevent impregnation 4 different types available: Mirena, Skyla, Liletta, and Kyleena prevents pregnancy for 3-6 years (depending on type) NON-HORMONAL IUD: made of plastic with copper coil