Shortie,
I love using my vibrator, but I recently heard that using a vibrator could desensitize my clitoris. Should I throw my vibrator out?
-Bad Vibrations

Dear Bad Vibrations,
I have good news! Vibrators do not cause desensitization! While some women experience mild discomfort after long or vigorous use of a vibrator, the discomfort is temporary. This can even occur after long vibrator-free masturbation sessions or long sessions of oral or vaginal intercourse. No one should be tossing their vibrators in the trash in fear of losing sensation down the road. Vibrators have no long-term risk of causing clitoral desensitization. People can vibrate to their heart’s, or clitoris’, content.

Shortie,
I want to be tested for HIV. How do I go about doing this?
-Curious

Dear Curious,
Students can be tested for HIV right on campus through the Oswego County Health Department. Testing is done at the Mary Walker Health Center on Tuesdays from 1-3 p.m. and is free for students by appointment only. The test is not a blood test but rather an oral swab called Oraquick. A person will have their results in 20 minutes. The test is confidential, meaning only the person being tested and the tester know who is being tested. To make an appointment, call (315) 349-3547 and ask for Tina. To be tested on campus, students need to make the appointment for Mary Walker Health Center.

Shortie,
I have a roommate that gets really upset and emotional sometimes. She has mentioned hurting herself in the past, but never has. I was wondering what I can do for her now and what I could do if she does try to hurt herself.
-Caring Roomie

Dear Caring Roomie,
Counseling is free for students in the Counseling Center located in Mary Walker Health Center. They can be reached at (315) 312-4416. The Counseling Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. A counselor can be reached after hours by calling University Police at (315) 312-5555.

If someone were to have a friend in the process of hurting himself/herself, they should contact University Police immediately and then notify their R.A. and Hall Director.

It’s important to remember that a person cannot force a friend to get help, but a person can tell a friend how special they are and that they care enough to help their friend out in tough times.