Janice Lozano
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) refer to the same group of viruses and bacteria spread through sexual activity. STDs are the later phase of STIs, though not all STIs develop into STDs. STDs have become a major problem in American colleges, where unprotected sex and other dangerous behaviors are common. According to the CDC, nearly 50% of the 20 million new STD cases diagnosed each year in the US are among 15–24-year-olds, with a large percentage of these cases occurring among college students.
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What You'll Learn
1 in 4 college students has an STI/STD
STDs and STIs are a major problem in American colleges, with 1 in 4 college students having an STI. This may be higher than expected, but there are many ways to protect yourself and your partner(s). Firstly, it is important to get tested regularly, especially if you are sexually active. STDs are preventable, and many are curable and treatable or manageable.
The most reliable way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you choose to have sex, it is advisable to agree to only have sex with one partner who agrees to only have sex with you. Make sure you both get tested beforehand. It is also important to talk with your partner(s) about STDs and safe sex practices before having sex, and to share when you were last tested. If you have an STD, it is important to inform your partner(s).
Safe sex practices such as wearing a latex condom or dental dam can help protect against STDs. It is also beneficial to receive the recommended doses of the HPV vaccination. However, it is important to note that not all STIs are curable, and many people with STIs experience no noticeable symptoms. General signs of an STI include sores/blisters, rashes, penile or vaginal discharge, painful urination, and abdominal pain.
The prevalence of STDs among college students is concerning, with young people aged 15-24 making up a large proportion of new STD cases, especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Additionally, approximately 21% of known HIV cases in 2018 were reported by people aged 13-24. The most common STIs among college students include HIV/AIDS, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Chlamydia is the most common STI on college campuses in the USA and worldwide, and it can result in permanent damage to reproductive organs if left untreated. Herpes is also prevalent, with 50-80% of adults having oral herpes and approximately 1 in 5 having genital herpes.
The sharp growth in STDs among college-aged individuals has alarmed many campus health professionals. Colleges struggle to educate students on protection and prevention, and many students avoid getting tested due to concerns about cost and privacy. Therefore, it is crucial for colleges to prioritize sexual health education and for students to be informed about the risks and safe practices to protect themselves and their partners.
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STIs/STDs are often asymptomatic
The lack of symptoms associated with asymptomatic STIs can lead to difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. Accurate diagnostic tests, such as molecular technology, are available in high-income countries but may be expensive and inaccessible. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), laboratory tests may not be available, and healthcare workers rely on syndromic management, which involves treating based on observed syndromes such as vaginal/urethral discharge or anogenital ulcers. However, this approach can result in overtreatment or missed treatment opportunities.
To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends enhancing syndromic management by gradually incorporating laboratory testing. This includes utilizing quality assured molecular assays where available to improve the accuracy of diagnosis. However, even in countries with access to testing, there may be barriers such as cost and long wait times for results, impacting follow-up care and treatment completion.
The asymptomatic nature of STIs highlights the importance of regular testing, especially for sexually active individuals. Healthcare providers recommend annual STI testing and more frequent testing for those with multiple partners. By getting tested regularly, individuals can protect their health and that of their partners, as many STIs are curable or manageable with treatment. Additionally, safe sex practices, such as wearing condoms, can help prevent the transmission of STIs.
University students, in particular, have high rates of STIs, with approximately one in four college students affected. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are among the most common STIs in this age group. The prevalence of STIs among university students underscores the importance of awareness, prevention, and regular testing to maintain sexual health and well-being during this stage of life.
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Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the most common STIs/STDs
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STIs and STDs often refer to the same group of viruses and bacteria spread through sexual activity. An STD is the later phase of an STI, though not all STIs develop into STDs. STIs are serious illnesses that require treatment, and some, like HIV, are incurable and can be life-threatening without treatment.
Chlamydia is the most common STI on college campuses in the US and worldwide. In 2020, chlamydia was the most common STI in the US, with 1.6 million cases, according to the CDC. Young people aged 15-24 make up 61% of chlamydia cases, emphasizing the importance of understanding STI statistics among college students. Chlamydia is one of the four most common curable STIs, along with gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
Gonorrhea, also known as "the clap" or "drip," is one of the most common STIs in the United States, with approximately 75% of reported cases found in people aged 15-29. In 2020, there were 677,769 cases of gonorrhea reported in the US, a 45% increase from 2016. Over 58% of reported gonorrhea infections in 2019 were among men, with rates among gay and bisexual men 42 times higher than heterosexual men in certain regions.
Syphilis is another highly prevalent STI, with 133,945 cases of primary and secondary syphilis reported in 2020, a 52% increase from 2016. Over 80% of reported cases of primary and secondary syphilis are found in men, with gay and bisexual men accounting for nearly 50% of diagnoses. Congenital syphilis was identified in 2148 infants in 2020, a 235% increase from 2016.
The overall rate of STIs is increasing in the US, with a 30% increase in reportable STIs between 2015 and 2019. Early screening and recognition of STIs are crucial to preventing disease spread, morbidity, and mortality. It is important to get tested regularly, practice safe sex, and seek treatment if infected to prevent the spread of STIs and manage symptoms effectively.
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Young people are at greater risk of STIs/STDs due to unprotected sex and multiple partners
Adolescence and young adulthood are life stages that expose individuals to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STIs and STDs are often used interchangeably to refer to the same group of viruses and bacteria spread through sexual activity. An STD is the later phase of an STI, though not all STIs develop into STDs. Young people are at a greater risk of contracting STIs/STDs due to a combination of factors, including unprotected sex, multiple partners, and biological susceptibility.
Unprotected sex is a significant contributor to the spread of STIs/STDs among young people. Despite the known protective benefits of condoms, various factors can hinder their use among adolescents. For example, anxiety and apprehension about sexual encounters can make it challenging for young people to initiate condom use, which requires communication and cooperation between partners. Additionally, adolescents may lack comprehensive knowledge about STIs/STDs and HIV/AIDS, making them less likely to take preventive measures effectively. Early sexual experiences, peer pressure, and a lack of access to confidential counselling services can further complicate the consistent use of protection.
Multiple sexual partners is another factor that increases the risk of STIs/STDs among young people. As many adolescents explore their identities and independence during college, they may engage in new sexual experiences with different partners. Each new partner introduces a potential source of infection, increasing the likelihood of contracting an STI/STD. The risk is further heightened when multiple partners are involved simultaneously, as the possibility of exposure to different infections rises exponentially.
Biologically, adolescents and young adults are more susceptible to STIs/STDs. Their developing immune systems and physiological changes make them more vulnerable to infections. Additionally, STIs/STDs can have more severe health repercussions in young people, impacting their long-term health and fertility. For example, untreated STIs can lead to neoplastic transformation induced by the human papillomavirus (HPV), causing cervical cancer in people with a uterus and cancer of the penis or anal area in people with a penis.
Furthermore, young people with HIV face unique challenges. Many are unaware of their status, and those who know may struggle to navigate treatment options and consent issues, especially when parental involvement is expected. The social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS can also hinder open discussions and preventive measures among young people. Consequently, addressing the specific needs and concerns of adolescents and young adults living with HIV is crucial.
To conclude, young people are at greater risk of STIs/STDs due to a combination of unprotected sex, multiple partners, and biological factors. Preventive measures, such as safe sex practices, regular testing, and STI/STD education, are essential to empowering young people to make informed choices and protect their health.
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Colleges need to educate students about STIs/STDs and safe sex practices
There is a sharp growth in STDs in the college-age population, and colleges struggle to educate students to protect themselves. Diane Straub, a professor at the University of South Florida, states that colleges must be proactive in education and prevention. Many students are uninformed about the privacy laws regarding STDs, and subsequently, that their medical records can remain confidential, even from their parents. A study of engineering students at an Indian university found that the internet and media were the main sources of information for students, and while many knew about STIs, they lacked in-depth knowledge about the diseases and their presentations.
Colleges should ensure that students are informed about their legal rights and the privacy laws surrounding STDs. They should also provide education on the facts about STDs, how they spread, and how to safeguard sexual health. For example, at the University of Oregon, peer educators work through the wellness center to educate students living in residence halls, fraternities, and sororities on sexual health.
Safe sex practices such as wearing a condom and regular testing can help students experiment with sex safely. Abstinence is the best way to protect against STDs, but if students are sexually active, they should get tested regularly and agree to only have sex with one partner who agrees to only have sex with them. Both partners should get tested to ensure neither has an STD, and they should discuss STDs and safe sex practices before having sex.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the CDC, nearly 20% of all college students have the herpes virus, and about 1 in 4 college students has an STD.
The most common STDs among college students are HIV/AIDS, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
Unprotected sex can lead to unintended pregnancies and STDs, including HIV. STDs can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
College students can protect themselves from STDs by using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity, getting tested regularly, and seeking treatment if they notice any symptoms. Abstinence is also an effective way to prevent STDs.
