STDs on Campus

                                                        By: Dominique Spence

 

As college students, we are more likely to take risks and essentially make new memories, but we don’t always think of the consequences. We think that college is full of YOLOs and dumb mistakes that we can easily fix when it’s over. With the increase of hooking up and sexual encounters on college campuses, STDs have become way more prevalent. One in every four college students has an STD[1].  This could is definitely a scary reality, but it’s important that students know this and are aware of what they are getting themselves into.

The most common STDs on college campuses are Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, and Genital Herpes[2]. These diseases can have many symptoms including genital warts, blisters and can even do harm to both male and female reproductive organs. Sometimes, there aren’t any symptoms at all. Obviously, you cannot always physically tell if someone you are getting involved with has an STD, so it is important to always use protection and get tested regularly. Ideally practicing abstinence would be the safest way to go, but realistically if you are having sex, it’s better and safer to use a condom and honesty to your future partners. Using a condom is always the best way to protect yourself and partner from disease and also pregnancy.

College parties and many college hangouts also involve students getting intoxicated and engaging in sexual interactions. This can cause an increase in the spread of STDs because of the inability to make good judgment about protection. Alcohol reduces our ability to make good decisions and allows us to just live in that moment and not care about the future. I think that many college students don’t really understand the severity of these diseases and ultimately think, “Oh that would never happen to me.” The reality is that catching a STD can happen to anyone and can even happen when it’s your first time. I think as young adults it is important that we are informed and educated about all the forms of STDs that are around us.

Yes, college is the place where you are supposed to get out of your comfort zone and experience new thing, but it is important to make the right choices that won’t hinder your future or your health.

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[1] Waters, Preston. Elite Daily, "The 10 Most Shocking Facts About STD’s In College." Last modified April 17, 2012. Accessed January 28, 2014. http://elitedaily.com/dating/sex/10-shocking-facts-stds-college/.

[2] College Times, . CollegeTimes, "3 Most Common STDs Among College Students." Last modified September 13, 2012. Accessed January 28, 2014. http://www.collegetimes.tv/3-most-common-stds-among-college-students/.