SHAG Week

Sex can be a major part of college life and can be a positive experience for many, whether it’s a familiar to you or completely new, being informed on how to take care of your sexual health and wellbeing is essential for a healthy sex life! If you choose to have sex then it's important that you are making informed decisions. This is what SHAG Week (Sexual Health Awareness & Guidance) is all about! Empowering you to make informed decisions that lead to a healthy and happy sex life.

SHAG Week 2 Events:

Monday 08th:

Masturbation 101 hosted by Caroline West | Zoom | 1pm
This workshop looks at how to remove shame and stigma from masturbation, how to choose safe items to masturbate with and what we mean by ‘body-safe’ toys and lube. This workshop covers anatomy as well as the health benefits of masturbation, and a brief history of masturbation (and attempts to stop it!). 

All participants will get codes to get a free mooncup, free organic tampons, and a discount on cotton sanitary pads. There's also spot prizes of body safe lube, condoms, and other goodies.

Tuesday 09th:

Domestic Violence | hosted by Caroline West | Zoom | 1pm
This workshop explains what healthy relationships look like, and what the differences are between green and red flags. Domestic abuse can take many forms, and this workshop explains what they are, and what supports are available in Ireland. Concepts such as gaslighting will be explained, as well as providing tools for victims to empower themselves to recover from trauma.

All participants will get codes to get a free mooncup, free organic tampons, and a discount on cotton sanitary pads. There's also spot prizes of body safe lube, condoms, and other goodies.

Wednesday 10th:

DATING & CONSENT?: DEVELOPING HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS ?DURING A PANDEMIC? | hosted by MU Counselling Service | MS Teams | 1pm
The aim of this workshop is to facilitate positive, informed and inclusive conversations about dating and consent, particularly in the context of the current pandemic

The SHAG Week Sex Quiz | hosted by Kelly & Ciarán | FREE Tickets from Eventbrite | 8pm
Join us for the return of the legendary MSU SHAG Week Sex Quiz! Hosted by MSU's own Kelly & Ciarán. 
1st Prize: €75 Lovehoney Voucher
2nd Prize: €50 Lovehoney Voucher
3rd Prize: €25 Lovehoney Voucher

Thursday 11th:

Image-Based Sexual Violence | hosted by Caroline West | Zoom | 1pm
This workshop explores what revenge porn is, why we need to rename it, what the new legislation says, and how we can support victims emotionally and practically. This is an issue that is on the rise rapidly in Ireland and we need to work to ensure people understand that this act can have very damaging consequences.

All participants will get codes to get a free mooncup, free organic tampons, and a discount on cotton sanitary pads. There's also spot prizes of body safe lube, condoms, and other goodies.

SHAG Week FAQs

What is Sexual Health?

Sexual health is an important part of overall health. It means the absence of disease and infections but also covers well-being, the ability to control fertility and to have children and the ability to enjoy fulfilling relationships free from discrimination. 

Staying safe and using protection as well as getting tested regularly is an important part of good sexual health and stops the spread of STIs, here at MSU we want to keep you informed!

What is an STI?

A STI or Sexually Transmitted Infection are very common with thousands of people getting diagnosed each year in Ireland. STIs are passed from person to person through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal and even oral sex. STIs may only cause mild symptoms or even no symptoms at all, so you may have an STI and not know it, that’s why it is important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Once diagnosed, all STIs can be treated with medicine and some cured completely. 

When Should I have an STI Test?

• You have any symptoms which suggest an STI

• Your partner has an STI

• You have a new sexual partner

• You have more than one sexual partner

Even if you have no symptoms you could still have an STI which can be passed on to your partner, the only way to really know is to get checked! Contact the Health Centre on campus to discuss your testing options: 01 708 3878, visit sexualwellbeing.ie or hivireland.ie, you can contact welfare@msu.ie for more information.

How to prevent STIs

STIs are preventable and there are lots of ways to limit the spread, it’s important to know how to protect you and your sexual partner from STIs! The best way to prevent the spread is to use protection such as a condom or dental dam, it’s important to remember that STIs can be spread through oral sex as well as penetrative. Contraceptive methods such as the pill or the bar will not prevent STIs.