Ask the Sexpert...

This week, she asks questions about testing and "trans" terminology.

Dear Sexpert,

This may be a really random, sort of stupid question, but I was just wondering what it means to be "trans."

— Confused

Dear Confused,

That isn't a stupid question at all. There are lots of people who are just as curious about this topic as you are. The term "trans" covers two communities that some consider to be separate — the transgender and transsexual communities.

People who consider themselves part of the transsexual community do not feel they belong to the gender they are categorized as due to their hormones, chromosomes and genitalia. Transsexuals may have had or plan to undergo surgery or take medication to make their physical appearance match the gender they identify with. There are preoperative, postoperative and nonoperative transsexuals. These categories refer to those who will have, have had or will not have surgery, respectively.

Those who consider themselves part of the transgender community also feel that they are not actually the gender they appear to be. For one reason or another, however, they have not decided to physically alter their bodies. Those who identify as transgender can either identify as the opposite gender, neither gender or somewhere between the two genders. Many people reject the idea of having only two categories for one's gender identity.

Transvestites or cross-dressers (though I hesitate to group them with others of the "trans" community) are those who for either sexual or entertainment purposes dress as the opposite gender.

Remember that none of the above has anything to do with sexual orientation. Anyone can fall anywhere on the gender spectrum while still being attracted to people anywhere else on the spectrum.

— The Sexpert

Dear Sexpert,

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

What STI testing does the University offer? How much does everything cost?

— Testing, testing...

Dear Testing,

It's great that you're asking about STI testing. It's important to get tested if you are sexually active at all, and as long as the STI has a test, there are health professionals at UHS who will test you for it. You can make an appointment with Women's and Men's Health Services, or you can go to urgent care if you feel you need to be seen immediately.

If you are on the student health plan, all STI testing at UHS is free. If not, there is a charge for most tests, which vary in cost. It is likely, however, that you will be able to get at least a partial refund from your insurance provider.

I cannot stress how important it is to get tested for STIs. The myth that you don't have to worry about STIs if you're not having vaginal intercourse simply is not true. Remember that STIs are transmitted through the sharing of bodily fluids and/or mucous membrane contact. So anal sex, oral sex or even naked dry humping can put you at risk for contracting an STI. Though condoms are wonderful, even they don't protect completely against every STI. So be careful and get tested.

— The Sexpert

"Ask the Sexpert" is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. Submit questions, to be published anonymously every Thursday, to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don't be shy!