| Show S Sexually transmitted diseases co are on the rise rIse Sam aam am cooper Looper Community Editor A recent report published published published pub pub- by the Utah County Coun Coun- ty Health It Department found that that reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases or are dramatically dramatically dramatically dra dra- rising It documented documented docu doc a near 50 percent rise in reported noting the most significant significant cant increases in mydia and gonorrhea Though comparable to the national increase in reported cases the report illustrates the presence of sexually transmitted infections infections in infections in- in in even the most conservative parts of the State For sexually active students the risk kr r Y hF h F I- I F k Photo Illustration by Adam Heath Though condoms are not foolproof they are the most effective guard against sexually transmitted diseases of infection is only too real It should be looked at as a serious concern said Tricia Bishop the Program Coordinator for the Health and Wellness Center She notes that young adults are the most at risk for infection If you look at the sta- sta STD Continued on page 2 and STIs plague college campuses Continue from page 1 the only population population population tion being infected with HIV is between the ages of 24 15 Bishop said With that in mind students students students stu stu- dents are definitely at high risk for other STIs She prefers to use the term STI which stands for sexually transmitted infection as opposed to STD for a few reasons Its more politically correct they're not all diseases because diseases diseases diseases dis dis- eases dont don't have cures There are infections to which we do have cures she said She encourages students students students stu stu- dents to take advantage of some of the services offered by the Health and Wellness Center whether they're possibly at risk or just looking for more information They can come in and get a full STI screen if they so wish anyone can cango cango cango go in at anytime to get a full HIV screening but those are things that they do have to request She added that the center was definitely a good place to go to learn more about STIs recommending that students keep an open ear and remain be open minded Step out of the box Letting us educate you about an issue that may be uncomfortable she said The recent rise in re reported reported reported re- re ported infections is centered centered centered cen cen- around two infections infections infections and gonorrhea The number of reported cases rose from in 2004 to in 2005 with reported gonorrhea cases increasing from 41 Health officials are particularly worried about the rise in mydia cases due to it links to Pelvic matory Disease or PID in women and an increase in complications during childbirth Common symptoms of STIs include itching around the vagina and possible discharge from the vagina or penis pain during sex ex unexplained sores near genitals dried flaky rash blisters or r painless red bumps and flesh colored warts For more information on STI or to schedule an exam with the Health and Wellness Center can call or visit either the Redwood or South City Campus locations |
