Sex, Disease, and College Students

Guest Post by Ionut C. Petrila

Sex is in the thoughts of most college students, and it represents one of today’s most important subjects. It is easy to see why the freedom people experience in college can have a detrimental effect on their health. Unprotected sex with different people may lead to infections such as STDs.

According to a study made by Scholly and Holck, more than 80% of all undergraduate students admitted having more than one sex partner during the course of one year.

Despite having attended sex-ed courses, lust has the ability to overwhelm the conscious thought, so young adults are prone to developing anSTDsuch as genital herpes. The Health Services from theUniversityofColumbiahave found that approximately 25% of all college students in the country have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease or infected others themselves. About 65% of those infected are under the age of 25.

Infections with Genital HSV-2 are more frequent in women. Estimates show that 25% of all women between the age of 14 and 49 develop genital herpes, while men seem to be less affected – 10% of them are suffering from the same affliction. This means that a ‘one way’ direction is prevalent when sexual intercourse takes place and the infection is transmitted.

Male partners have more chances of infecting female partners and not the other way around.

Not many experience the symptoms of genital herpes first hand. The disease can actually be present without the carrier even noticing it. Of the 60 million Americans who are estimated to have this disease, only 10% know about it due to early manifestations and clearly defined symptoms. Most report having pains in their genital area, blisters and sometimes even cuts, along with fever and headaches. These symptoms can be easily mistaken for common colds or a weakened immune system.

College students are quick to deny the symptoms pertaining to genital herpes and usually don’t believe they need an examination. Scientists advise that it is important to know about this disease in particular and that it spreads through direct genital contact, not at all through normal contact. Many young adults are scared that thisSTDmight lead to HIV, but the two have not yet been linked, so it’s safe to say that genital herpes cannot act as a precursor to HIV. Condoms remain the best source of prevention in the spread of STDs. Although they do not ensure 100% protection, students prefer them for their price and versatility.

Tests are still the best way in which people can check for STDs. However, education has a lot to do with relinquishing a widespread reticence in people when they are faced with medical check-ups.

It is best to know what you’re dealing with instead of harboring a feeling of insecurity.

This is why regular visits to a healthcare provider may reveal the disease in time to keep it at bay and secure a proper treatment. Genital herpes sometimes takes years to reveal its presence, so vigilance and proper conduct can save many the trouble of having second thoughts about their sex life.

 

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