Sexually Transmitted Diseases and You the importance of getting tested

Scared yet?.... you will be Shocking statistics and why are they so high? The three most common STDs among college students How do I avoid being infected with an STD and where can I be tested?

I’m not sexually active, why does this concern me? Even though a person doesn’t engage in sexual intercourse, they can contract STDs when participating in other sexual activities. For this reason I’ll refer to being involved in any sexual activitiy as being sexually active Good things to know when you do decide to become sexually active Inform a friend

SHOCKING STATISTICS OH MY!!

SHOCKING STATISTICS According to the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  86% of college students had sexual intercourse during their lifetime 35% have had 6 or more partners 30% used condoms regularly

SHOCKING STATISTICS According to a national survey released in 2003 by the Society for Adolescent Medicine  College students account for 66% of all new cases of STDs in the United States  More than 70% of college students have had unprotected sex 68% of those students who have had unprotected sex while in college do not believe they are at risk for contracting an STD.  49% of all college students that have engaged in sexual intercourse have never been tested for STDs

Why are these statistics so high? Contraceptives other than condoms  Birth control pills, shots, patches Monogamous relationships “It won’t happen to me”

Still not scared? Let’s take a look at the most common STDs that affect young Americans

Most Common STDs Chlamydia & Gonorrhea  Most common STDs among college students  Bacterial Infections  Contracted through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex  Curable 4 out of 5 women and 1 in 5 men infected with Chlamydia and 1 of every 2 men and women infected with Gonorrhea are asymptomatic (do not show symptoms)

Most Common STDs Herpes  Viral  Transmitted by skin-to- skin contact such as kissing, rubbing, or mere touching infected areas Infected person can be contagious even when no symptoms are present  Not curable, but treatable Outbreaks can be suppressed and their severity reduced

How can I be tested for STDs? Personal Physician, Gynecologist Planned Parenthood  Preferred by college students  Single test cost as low as $35  General Screenings Based on income of student Average price $120

If I test negative for STDs how do I remain STD free? Abstinence Use a condom Talk with your partners  Be open about your sexual history and health concerns Be tested annually  If you suspect a problem, see a doctor  Make sure your partners are checked out too  Take medication regularly  Don’t engage in sexual activities until Self control and good judgment  Alcohol and other drugs weaken control and judgment

Did I succeed in scaring you? Startling statistics Quick rundown of a few STDs Where to be tested