Let's Be Real: STDs on Campus

By Kia Mager

Just don’t have sex. A message students hear repeatedly. But this is not realistic, and it only

fuels the problem. It needs to be acknowledged and accepted because putting a ‘ban’ on it

will only make it more tempting to people. But something that needs to be addressed is the

spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases [STD] and Sexually Transmitted Infections [STI] on

university campuses, as the education around the subject is not touched on properly.

When we are talking about STIs and STDs, it is essential to understand the difference

between the two. Both are sexually transmitted, but there’s a difference; an STI is a sexually

transmitted infection, and if not treated properly, it can develop into a sexually transmitted

disease. Why is it important to be aware of STIs or STDs? Because of how easily they can be

transmitted during most sexual encounters, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex. But why do STIs

spread so widely on university campuses? One of the reasons is the lack of knowledge around the subject, the lack of or improper use of condoms, and not having open communication about the number of sexual partners one might have.

Figure 1 by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

When students start at university, the sudden freedom can be overwhelming. They can sleep, party and have sex with whoever they choose. During this freedom, there are aspects that people do not think about, such as the consequences their actions might cause to themself and others. Imagine it’s a Friday night, you are out at 37onNew. You’ve had a few drinks, you're having a good time, and you see someone attractive. The two of you head back to your room. In that moment, you are not thinking about having safe sex - you are just thinking about having sex. The use of condoms may not cross your mind. If you are thinking of using one, the probability of you, in your drunken state, putting it on incorrectly is high. The issue isn’t casual sex - it’s regular, unprotected sex with multiple partners without knowing your or their STI status - increasing the risk of unknowingly spreading infections. That’s what leads to harm.                        

Figure 2 by PeopleImages 

The numbers are alarming. According to News24, 18 684 out of 174 709 students, who were screened for STIs, had contracted an STI. That is more than 10%. The spread is rampant, and a significant reason for this is that many people simply do not know their status.

How can we slow down the spread of STIs on campuses? One solution is having open and honest communication: by telling potential partners about your sexual history, the use of condoms and past or current STIs. This is vital information to have about a person you will be intimate with, because you are allowing the person clarity about the situation they might be putting themselves in. Getting regularly tested for STIs is also crucial in slowing their spread. Actively knowing your status regarding STIs is essential, as you will see if you need treatment. At Rhodes University, free STI testing is available to all students and staff - making it easier to stay informed and safe without worrying about cost. It is also essential to be aware and educated about safe and healthy sex. Conversations about safe sex should also include consent, which is just as important as protection and testing. In terms of preventing STIs, it's necessary to always use condoms, even if it’s a long-term partner or a person you have casual sex with. The most commonly used are male condoms, but there are female condoms that are also available. There is also PrEP, the pill that helps prevent HIV in people who might have a higher chance of infection.

Figure 3 by Madison Women’s health

Sexual activity won’t stop, and it shouldn’t have to. But how we educate, test, and talk about it must change. It is essential to know what is happening in our own body and the body of the person you have sex with, because if you don’t, it will cause you and your partner harm. Being educated about your STI status will help you be your healthiest self. Having sex shouldn’t be taken away from people because of the lack of knowledge they have; we should always strive to educate them and help them.