According to College Health and Safety, 1 in 4 college students has a sexually transmitted disease. Moreover, research done by news.discovery.com in 2012 showed that only 44 percent of students between the ages of 18 and 24 said that they use condoms regularly, and 23 percent said they either barely or never wear one.
Sandi Scott-Holman, assistant professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the director of the Student Medical Center, said she has seen more cases of chlamydia at NSU in the past six months than she has seen in 10 years. Other common STDs at NSU are human papillomavirus, or HPV, and herpes simplex virus, or HSV.
According to WebMD, while there is an antibiotic supplement available to treat chlamydia, there is no known cure for HPV or HSV. People infected with these diseases do not show symptoms, and, as a result, continue to have unprotected sex.
Scott-Holman said practicing safe sex and getting tested, which is the only way to determine whether one has an STD, will help prevent one from contracting a disease.
“It’s important for college students to practice safe sex because it helps them avoid a lifelong illness,” she said. “Students should get tested to help prevent spread of infections and to take care of their health.”
The frequency of testing depends on the number of new sexual contacts, according to Scott-Holman. She recommends that students get tested prior to engaging in sexual activity with any new partner and that the partner get tested as well.
Scott-Holman said that having sexual relations with a person without knowing his or her medical history introduces certain risks.
“You are putting yourself at risk for many sexually transmitted diseases, as well as placing yourself at risk for abuse, both physical and mental,” Scott-Holman said. “I tell patients every day that you should not have sex with anyone unless you have seen their recent lab work for HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. This goes for both partners. [Some do] not realize that a one-time sexual encounter could give them a life-long virus.”
Scott-Holman said students can get tested at the Student Medical Center for free with Aetna student medical insurance, NSU’s insurance plan, or their private insurance. She also suggests that students visit the medical center or make an appointment for information about STDs and guidance on safe sex.
“We have free condoms on our front desk,” said Scott-Holman. “Come by anytime. You do not need an appointment for free condoms.”
The Student Medical Center is located in the Sanford L. Ziff Health Care Center near the Health Professions Division Building. You can make an appointment between 8:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are also accepted. To make an appointment, call 954-262-1270.
Photo credit: pixabay.com
