Talking about sexually transmitted diseases and infections should not be held in a delicate and secretive manner. It is essential to know about the differences between practicing healthy and unhealthy sexual behavior.
If you are sexually active, there is a chance you can contract an STD. No matter how many partners you have and how many times you have had sex contracting an STD is like getting pregnant, it only takes one time. Understanding what they are, could be the difference between having a scarring moment in your future or having a hiccup.
There are many reasons it is essential to know about STDs. Although, being aware can keep you and your partner safe. There are many stigmas and negative connotations that surround STDs, in many conversations.
Joseney Jean Pierre, psychology student, said, “STDs should be taken more seriously, and before anyone has sex. They should get tested to ensure that it does not spread. Not only that, but people who have STDs do not know how to deal with the issue when dating. They decide not to inform their partner of the disease and spread it willingly. Those people should be jailed,” when asked about her opinion on STD’s and the stigmas attached to it.
Going to college can introduce you to several things. Though one thing college campuses are notorious for is high STD rates.
According to Biem, about 1 in 4 college students have an STD/STI. It is said the most common STDs are HPV (Human Papillomavirus), chlamydia, and HSV-2 genital herpes.
Sieren Jiwanmall, WTXL reporter, published an article earlier this year, stating Leon County led in the state in chlamydia cases. It is also said Leon County also had an increasing number of gonorrhea cases.
When asked about her opinion concerning unsafe sex practices, Diamond Williams said, “I feel like people are ignorant of the seriousness of contracting an STD/ STI. How does someone have herpes and still manage to have consensual sex with someone?”
Practicing safe sex includes using contraceptives, but most importantly, it is being honest and transparent with your sexual partners.
“I feel like people with STDs are often seen as untouchable, or ostracized. When in actuality, more people have STDs and STIs than we think. Instead of isolating these people, we should educate them through sexual health forums, so more people are aware of how to protect themselves accordingly in sexual encounters,” said Julian Whitely-Jackson, pharmacy student.
Inform yourselves about the symptoms and treatments for each STD/STI, because it can affect you or someone you know.