A Message to College Students on STD Testing

Now that you have made it to college, you probably feel like you have a new world right in front of you, and you do. College is the first step into the real world, and where you still have to take classes and do homework, you have a lot more freedoms to do what you would like. With that freedom comes a new found need to be careful in your activities, from partying to sex. That's why it is of paramount importance that you make STD testing part of your want to be safe.

Did you know that 80% of people who have a sexually transmitted disease have no noticeable or externalized symptoms? One night of fun can lead to a lot more in medical bills and regrets, so STD testing is a necessary part of your new life. Your college is aware that part of the new life that you are leading is going to involve a much stronger social atmosphere, depending on where you are going or the type of person you are, but dorm and private housing living leads to a lot of different kinds of interaction.

It goes without saying that the best thing you can do to stop STDs, assuming you are going to have sex, is make sure that there is protection involved. Even though she is on the pill and he promises he's safe doesn't mean that you shouldn't wear a condom. That simple item can save you years of further problems, and when it comes to your future, both medically and sexually, you don't want to mess around. Make sure that you have a pack of condoms in your nightstand or in your bag, just on the chance that if something occurs, you are ready.

What about a situation where your partner doesn't a condom used? This is where things get tough. Some people are going to dive right in, ignore the consequences, and potentially pay the price. Whether that price is herpes, chlamydiae, or even unexpected pregnancy, it is going to be something that you are going to have to deal with. The right answer is that if you want to use protection and your partner doesn't, it might be best to just skip the night's excitement and hope they understand.

If it just so happens that you have sex anyway, you now have some things to think about. The first is, are you sure you know precisely where this person has been sexually? Just because they have only had one or two partners, does not mean that they are guaranteed to be safe, which means now you aren't either. Going to your doctor and asking for STD testing and screening is simple, anonymous, and easy. Within a week or two you should know if there is a problem that you have to deal with.

It is irrational to think that a majority of the people out there will choose abstinence when there is so much adventure to be had out in this new landscape. Whereas it is 100% effective against all STD's, it is just not how most college students are hot wired. Add in the stress of trying to pass classes without the strict schedule of high school, the new social dynamics that you are trying to wade through, and the freedom to experiment how you see fit, and sex tends to come up as a natural opiate. The key is being responsible and safe when it comes to making that choice.

It doesn't matter if tonight is the first, tenth, or thousandth time that you have had intercourse. Without the proper knowledge and protection, you are leaving yourself open for the rest of your college days being a lot less fun. Tonight you are a roaming bachelor or bachelorette, looking for a great time; next year you very well could have to tell your partner that before you hook-up, they have to know what you have. Nobody wants that, so go out and have a great time, but keep your future in mind.