Campus sees rise in STD cases

LOUIS BROWN/Daily University Health Services peer counselors learn how to counsel students on the dangers of STDs and possible prevention techniques during a training session last night at the UHS Building.

The mention of sexually transmitted diseases is enough to make anyone squirm and change the topic. But statistics indicate that college students have a high and increasing risk of contracting an STD.

The increase is evident not only nationwide, but on the University campus, where health officials are trying to reverse the trend through peer education and free testing.

University Health Service saw about 400 new cases of genital warts, 200 cases of herpes and 35 cases of gonorrhea last year. The American Social Health Association reports that two-thirds of the new STD cases each year affect people under age 25.

The numbers speak volumes about the cycle. People on campus have STDs, and STDs spread.

"Overall, students are aware of problems and risks," said Polly Paulson, a UHS health education coordinator. "One needs to have understanding of how (STDs) are transmitted."

STDs are transmitted when body fluids mix or by skin-to-skin contact. Condoms are not 100 percent effective against STDs and the only proven way to avoid STDs is abstinence.

Paulson said that although she's seen an increased trend toward monogamous relationships among students, young adults still exhibit risky behavior that leads to STDs.

To prevent further spreading of the diseases among University students, Paulson encourages communication and knowledge about STDs. The UHS peer program takes safe sex and STD issues to a public setting, where student advisers lead workshops about sexuality, safe sex, and risky behavior.

At least one fatal STD may be less common on campus than in other areas of the country. UHS officials said that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, does not seem to be as prevalent at the University as other STDS.

"In 1996 we tested 1,034 people for HIV," said Carol Tucker, a UHS health educator. "None were positive."

UHS offers free HIV testing for students in the nurse clinic weekdays between 2-4 p.m. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome, Tucker said. There are many reasons a person should be tested - possible HIV exposure in the past, a new relationship, or just to manage anxiety, Tucker said.

"No one wants to think that they have an STD or one of their friends has one," said Jessica McRuff, a Rackham first-year student. "I have some friends that are very aware of (STDs). Others are aware that they exist, but their actions don't show that."

McRuff said she thinks more people practice safe sex now than in the past, but overall, people are still concerned about STDs.

"People don't think of their actions before they have sex," LSA junior Shareia Carter said. "People are aware, but they still have that attitude 'It can't happen to me.'"

Carter said the subject is taboo, which adds to the lack of awareness. People don't talk about STDs because "it's embarrassing - it tells a lot about your lifestyle," she said.

"I feel like (STDs are) common around college campuses because of the sexual activity of our age group," said Marcellus Miller, an Engineering sophomore. "I don't think it's a concern for me because I'm careful."

But for others, Miller said, the lack of communication could lead to problems.

"People won't admit when they have (STDs) because they are embarrassed," Miller said. "A lot of people are under the misconception that it won't happen to them."

Nursing School second-year student Sujuan Johnson said that risky behavior among college-age students contributes to the rising number of cases each year.

"If you are just having casual sex, you're bound to get (STDs) anyway," Johnson said. "And you can't get a shot to get rid of them ... It becomes a lifetime thing - that one night alters your whole lifestyle."

Johnson said some students also incorrectly assume that a condom is 100-percent protection.

"Always use protection," Johnson said. However, "some people think they're immune once they put the latex on."

Safe sex is affecting businesses as well as students.

The Safe Sex Store, located on South University Avenue, used to be Condoms 101. Along with the change of store owner and name, employee Debra Rodriguez says the store is now well-rounded and has a mature view of sex.

"Sex is not just a game," said LSA senior Rodriguez. "It's a responsible joy to experience, but there are consequences - be aware of them."

-- One in 500 college-age students are infected with HIV.

-- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STD on college campuses. It causes genital warts and is not curable. Nationwide, HPV affects approximately nine percent of college students. Most people have no symptoms.

-- Herpes is an infection characterized by blisters or sores on the mouth or genital area. There is no cure for herpes.

-- Chlamydia is a common STD in younger women. It can be cured with an antibiotic if detected early.

-- Gonorrhea is also curable, but left untreated, it may cause blindness, blood poisoning, sterility, and numerous other health problems.

-- Hepatitis B can be prevented through a vaccination. It has negative effects on the liver and immune system.

Source: University Health Service

09-19-97