Tallahassee, known endearingly as Tallanasty, is victorious again. This week, it’s for their widespread commitment to unsafe sex and contracting sexually transmitted diseases.
In the latest rankings posted by the STD Check blog, FSU ranked number three after Arizona State University and University of Iowa in highest incidents of STDs. Not only does FSU have the highest percentage in comparison with other college campuses, but Leon County, the county that contains Tallahassee and the FSU campus, holds the honor of ranking in highest cases reported in the state as well.
We all knew that nickname didn’t come from nowhere.
We’ve all had those dark days of sitting anxiously in the infirmary, squirming because everyone must know why you’re there and dramatically sobbing to the RN who judgmentally sniffs and tells you not to “climb fool’s mountain twice” after delivering your negative test results. As the incident rates of STDs everywhere rises and scary strains of antibiotic resistant-bacteria emerges, it’s time we ran down what exactly is the deal down there.
I’m not your mother, your doctor, your gyno or hell even Condom Miranda from the dark days of the Broward basement. But I am a concerned citizen who never wishes to see University of Florida’s name up on that list.
So here’s the dirty truth about STDs.
Via: College Magazine
Unfortunately, as is the case with most infections, the symptoms are often very similar, non-existent or can be missed. The infections that are most prevalent on college campuses are chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV and genital warts, (also known as the herp).
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are bacterial infections and treatable with antibiotics — not too dangerous if caught early enough and ultimately just a source of embarrassment. If you avoid the doctor long enough, though, you’ll end up with serious consequences like infertility, possible pelvic inflammatory disease for women or ectopic pregnancy.
These bacteria are beginning to evolve, however, and develop antibiotic-resistant strains making them more and more difficult to treat. So, if you’re experience itching, burning, white/yellow/greenish discharge, bleeding or pain during urination, get to a doctor. Usually treatment can be received confidentially and free of charge at the department of health in your county.
Another, less common infection is trichomoniasis which is a nasty little parasite that likes to swim its way into your genitals and wreak havoc. With similar symptoms such as burning, itching and greenish/yellow/white discharge with a strange smell (sorry, this is getting graphic), it’s one to be on the lookout for as well.
Via: Sound Print
The last two culprits are the results of viruses.
HPV has made the news due to the controversy over the vaccine and its link to cervical cancer. What most don’t realize is that it’s a group of over 150 viruses that are linked to each other, and while it’s the most prevalent of STDs, not all strains of HPV are going to give you cancer. It’s preventable with the vaccine (read about the study before you decide to get it), condoms reduce the risk and, of course, getting tested for cervical cancer is the sure-fire way to know whether you’ve got something.
It’s also worth noting that HPV can affect both men and women, so don’t think you’re safe just because you weren’t born with a vagina.
Herpes, on the other hand, is a non-treatable disease. It manifests in sores and blisters around the genitals and while there is no cure, it can be treated effectively to reduce the outbreaks and communicability to your partner.
Ultimately, STDs suck and as educated and smart as we claim to be, it’s evident that college kids are not always using their brains when it comes to their sexual health. We like to think that STDs are a thing of the past, like the days when writers like Oscar Wilde smoked opium and went blind from syphilis. The fact is, these diseases are alive and well, and we’re just living in ignorance.
Via: EDU in Review
One of the major problems college culture seems to have is the culture of silence it has built around sexual responsibility and health. These days if you ask a guy if he’s been tested before you get down to business, they’re apt to stare at you and say, “Did you just imply that I have a dirty dick?” No sir, I did not. I was just wondering if you’re a mature adult who cares about his health and well-being. Instead of taking offense at these questions or avoiding the topic all together, it’s time we start asking them more frequently.
Or when in doubt, use a freaking condom.
Sexual transparency isn’t as open and shut as we believe it is. And although many people like to protest that they trust their partners, asking for proof is not saying you don’t trust them. Contrary to popular belief, getting tested is not a taboo thing, it doesn’t mean you’re a slut nor does it mean you have something.
Bottom line: Be an adult, get tested, ask your partner to get tested and use protection. We’re all smart, so let’s start acting like it.
Feature photo courtesy of: AMSA
