Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are very common. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that about 20 percent of the U.S. population (approximately 1 in 5 people in the U.S.) (CDC, 2018). The CDC also estimates that young people, ages 15-24, acquire almost half of the estimated 26 million new STD/STIs diagnosed each year.
- The total cost of treating STD/STIs contracted in just one year is nearly $16 Billion.
- Nearly ½ of all new STD/STI each year are among people ages 15-24.
- You cannot tell by looking at someone if they are infected with HIV. If you’re sexually active, your best bet is for you and your partner(s) to get tested. (Source: Centers for Disease Control, 2018)
Protect Yourself
- Abstinence is only 100% effective way (so not having sex)
- Barrier methods are devices that serve as a physical barrier(s) between sperm & egg (pregnancy) and/or foreign pathogens (STD/STIs) when having sex. Examples include male & female condoms, dental dams, plastic wrap, diaphragm and cervical caps.
- Use lube to make barrier method use feel better and also to reduce the chance that the barrier method will tear or break.
Resources to Know About on Campus
- Free condoms, lubricant & dental dams are available at any GatorWell location, including the health hut and GatorWell at Jennings and Springs Complex.
- HIV testing , as well as other STI testing (including Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis), is also available at the Student Health Care Center (352-294-752), Planned Parenthood of North Florida (352-377-0881) and at the Alachua County Health Department (352-334-7960). Depending on the site, pricing ranges from free to fees determined by a sliding scale fee or based on insurance.
Find More Online
Florida Dept. of Health (North Central FL): www.313hiv.com
Alachua County Health Department: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/chdAlachua/
WellFlorida’s HIP Program: http://everyonestopaidsnow.org/
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov
Planned Parenthood: www.plannedparenthood.org
Go Ask Alice: http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/
American Sexual Health Association: http://www.ashasexualhealth.org/