Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise among college students, with health professionals stressing the importance of open discussions, regular testing, and safe sexual practices to curb the spread of infections.
Recent data from HealthNewsHub.org reveals that approximately one in four college students has a sexually transmitted infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that individuals aged 15 to 24 account for nearly half of the 20 million new STI cases in the U.S. each year.
“The most common STDs on USM campus would be gonorrhea and chlamydia,” said Melanie Blanton, nurse and health educator at Southern Miss.
Blanton advises students to maintain open communication with their partners to prevent further transmission.
“Pick the right place and time, discuss protection and boundaries, offer to get tested together, have mutual respect for each other, and be completely honest and direct,” Blanton said.
For students who suspect they may be infected, Blanton stresses the importance of seeking help promptly.
“STDs and STIs can be treated, so don’t wait until it becomes fatal to get tested and treated,” Blanton said.
Nursing student Jasmine Flowers also encouraged her peers to prioritize protection and testing.
“One night could ruin your life,” Flowers said. “I encourage people to use protection, and I also encourage people to please get tested.”
According to SciVisionPub.com, the most common STIs among college students are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Between 2014 and 2018, chlamydia cases among individuals aged 20 to 24 increased by 17.2%, while gonorrhea cases rose by 27.5%. HPV remains widespread, with the CDC estimating that nearly 20% of college students are infected with the herpes virus.
Factors contributing to the rise in STI rates include risky sexual behavior, multiple partners, and a lack of regular testing. A national survey found that 15% of college students reported never using condoms during sex, while only 7% of male and 20% of female students had been tested for STIs within a 12-month period, according to Everlywell.com.
Health professionals recommend several strategies to address the prevalence of STIs on campuses, including comprehensive sex education, accessible testing services, and promotion of safe sexual practices. The HPV vaccine is also highlighted as a preventive measure, with a 2019 national survey showing that 40% of college males and 55% of females completed the recommended doses.
For more information on STI prevention or to schedule an appointment with the Moffitt Health Center, students can call (601) 266-5390 or visit the Student Health Services website.