Sexually Transmitted Infections and Condom Use

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There are many infections that are spread through sexual contact and most are silent, causing no noticeable signs or symptoms. Common STIs include Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, Herpes,HIV/AIDS, HPV, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and Syphilis.

condom

STIs

45.5% of sexually active respondents have NEVER been tested for STI’s

  •         77% do not feel that they are at risk
  •         8% are frightened of the tests
  •         9% do not know where to get tested
  •         3% are worried that parents or friends might find out about the testing

Among those who have been tested, 9% have received a positive STI test

  •         Primarily HPV and Chlamydia

 

Currently, condoms are the only widely available, proven method for reducing transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during intercourse.

Condom Use

As is found in national surveys, condom use is low at Skidmore.  35.4% of sexually active Skidmore students report that they use condoms every time they have vaginal or anal intercourse.  58% reported that they used a condom during their last sexual encounter. 

Students provided a range of reasons to explain their lack of condom use.  Many students indicated that they were in monogamous relationships and did not feel that condom use was necessary.  Other answers included the following:

 

  •       “It was the second time in one morning, the first time we did, the second we did not for no specific reason.”
  •       “Didn't have one”
  •       “Put one on towards the end”
  •       “I was drunk and forgot to ask and it didn't seem as though one was readily available.”
  •       “It feels better without a condom. I hoped/ doubted she had anything.”
  •       “I was virgin, guess he didn't think it necessary, plus kinda drunk”

Reducing Risk

The surest way to avoid transmission of STIs is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is not infected with any sexually transmitted infections. In the United States, there are more than 50 million people estimated to have genital herpes, 20 million people with HPV, and over 1 million people estimated to have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

For people who choose to be sexually active, ways to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection (STD/STI) include:

  • Talk to your partner(s) about their sexual history, sexual health, and if they have had STI testing. Be honest and encourage your partner to do the same.
  • Get tested - before you become sexually active with a new partner have an STI screening done, and encourage your partner to do the same. You can even go together. Remember that many STIs have no symptoms so the only way to know for sure is to be tested.
  • Limit the number of sexual partners you have. This will limit your possible exposure to STIs
  • Use a condom - even if you are using another form of birth control (the pill, the patch, etc). Condoms (male condoms work the best) are the only form of contraception that reduces risk of STI infection.
  • If you or your partner has a STI, don’t have sex (oral, vaginal, or anal) until all partners are treated.
  • Have regular check-ups. At least once a year see your health care provider and be open and honest about your sexual practices and ask about STI tests, which ones you have been tested for and which ones you haven’t been.

 

Noteworthy Programs:

·        Health Services is available for confidential STI testing, GYN appointments, and the sale of condoms and birth control. They are always willing to answer any questions students may have about sexual health issues. Their website can be found at the Health Services Website .Call 580-5550 or stop by their office on the first floor of Jonsson Tower for an appointment.

·        The Center for Sex and Gender Relations is a student run organization that promotes safer sex on campus. The Peer Advocates have programs about many sexual health and relationship topics and are trained to answer questions. For more information, visit their website at http://cms.skidmore.edu/thecenter/index.cfm

For more information you can go to the American Social Health Association website or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

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