On this week’s blog, we are going to be talking about a very relevant topic-especially within the college population. Sexually transmitted diseases, aka STDs. STDs can be defined as infections or diseases that are spread through sexual contact and are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Of course, when we were first get to college, the importance of sexual health is stressed to us. All throughout UNC’s campus there are multiple resources set up in order to remind students to practice safe sex. Whether it’s the pamphlets you see at Campus Health or the bucket of condoms found inside the bathrooms in the Union, there’s no doubt that an effort is being made. Despite all these reminders, according to the CDC, the population of ages 15-24 make up only a fourth of the sexually active population, but account for half of the new STDs that occur in the United States each year. This is a very significant percentage that young adults are responsible for.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is a bacterial disease. Typically it is found in young women and the infection causes few or very mild signs and symptoms, so someone may have it without knowing. This asymptomatic feature makes it very easy for the infection to be transmitted to others without anyone knowing. If left untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems such as infertility. Unfortunately, despite many medical advances cases of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have increased. In an CNN Health article, it is stated that, “The new (CDC) report found that rates of reported cases tended to be highest among adolescents and young adults.” From a public health standpoint, an increase in STDs can have a very negative impact. Not only can they be responsible for a number of birth defects, but some diseases such as gonorrhea are becoming drug resistant.
As previously stated, young adults play a huge role in the increase of sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. As a college student, I believe that other college students have the power and responsibility to practice safe sex and help lower the increasing numbers. Being on a college campus, there are so many resources to help protect against STDs. You can find free condoms, for both men and women all over the campus. There are also other items available such as Dental Dams or plastic wraps. Another option is to practice abstinence- this is the safest and most effective way to avoid STDs as it is 100% guaranteed to protect you from STDs. Outside of the young adult population, one of the reasons for STD transmission is because people to do not have the access to be able to go get tested. As students at UNC, we have access to Campus Health and should take advantage of that if we suspect that we have an infection. Young adults play a big role in the nation’s public health. It’s important that we get rid of the stigma around talking about sexual health so that we are able to have important and informative discussions about how to have safer sex.
Diana's Micro World 