Spring Break
Student Health Services campaign aims to raise awareness of STIs
Natalie Jurgen
Issue date: 9/23/08 Section: News
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The "Chlamydia Awareness" campaign's goal is to stress the fact that it is almost impossible to know a person is infected with an STI due to a lack of symptoms. The campaign also aims to inform students of the ease of today's testing methods, which require urine samples rather than swab samples.
The campaign will feature educational tables outside Student Health and offer free testing during the month long campaign.
"During the campaign Student Health will offer free chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings," said Jennie Garth, lab manager at SHS. "These tests are normally $30, so students will be able to save money if they come in during the campaign."
The state-funded testing doesn't take long and students can receive their results in about two weeks; however, it does require an appointment. Students are notified as soon as their results are in and then must make a follow-up appointment.
"The only requirement of the test is that students don't use the bathroom an hour before testing." Garth said.
The vast majority of college students that are infected with an STI are unaware of their status, and three out of four of those infected with chlamydia or gonorrhea experience no symptoms.
Young people have the highest risk of contracting an STI because they are more likely to have unprotected sex and sex with more than one partner. Women, youth and minorities are typically the most affected by STIs.
"High school and college aged students are at a greater risk of contracting an STI because they often do not use some form of contraception," said Shawnte McMillan, health educator at SHS. "People of color are also at great risk because they tend to not be as educated about STIs and contraceptives."
More than half of all sexually active teens have never discussed STIs with their partner or health-care provider, and without open communication anyone infected can unknowingly transfer STIs to their partners.
"Half of all sexually active students will contract an STI by age 25," McMillan said. "People just don't know how prevalent STIs really are--especially chlamydia and gonorrhea. Because most students carrying one of these infections show little to no symptoms, they think they're in the clear and continue risking their own long-term health, as well as the health of their sexual partners."
Speaking with a health care provider can help form a better understanding of the treatment of STIs once diagnosed.
"Most students don't have a good background on how to protect themselves and we're hoping the campaign will help," McMillan said.
Throughout STI awareness, Student Health will hold various events on campus. Health educators will be in attendance at each event to share information, answer questions and distribute freebies.
ECU Student Health Service hopes that the campaign will make students aware of the need to get tested for STIs, as untreated cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to serious complications including infertility in both men and women.
To find out more about STI testing options or schedule an appointment, students should contact the ECU Student Health Service at 328-6841 or visit the Web site at ecu.edu/studenthealth.
This writer can be contacted at news@theeastcarolinian.com.
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