ANSAN.COM / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2010 / SEX ON THE HILL
3
College years pose increased risk
Watkins estimates 1 in 4 students will contract an STD while enrolled at the University
"It's our belief that 1 out of 4 sexually active KU students will get an STD through unprotected intercourse. We call it a grassfire," said Patty Quinlan, supervisor of nursing at Watkins Memorial Health Center.
Control.
Some of the commonly transmitted STDs are HIV/AIDS, genital herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea. STDs are transmitted not only through vaginal sex, but also through anal and oral sex. According to Quinlan, chlamydia and HPV are the most common STDs and the easiest ones to spread to another person.
"They're transmitted easily because of the makeup of the virus and bacteria," Quinlan said.
While abstinence is the most surefire way to protect against transmitting or receiving an STD, many students have sex anyway. But one practical way for students to avoid contracting an STD is to use a condom. The CDC has determined that using a condom is effective in lowering the risk
"Genital warts, HPV and syphilis are transmitted skin-to-skin, and condoms can't always protect against those."
PATTY QUINLAN Watkins nursing supervisor
for transmitting STDs that are passed along through crosscontact of fluids.
"Condoms are an effective barrier if intact and used appropriately. They are effective only for the areas that it
covers Genital warts, HPV and syphilis are transmitted skin to-
skin, and condoms can't always protect against those," Quinlan said. "Nothing will protect you if you're having unprotected sex."
Two forms of HPV — the high-risk forms that can lead to cancer — can be preempted by the Gardasil vaccine. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotic injections, according to the CDC.
Many places in Lawrence offer free condoms, including two locations on the KU campus, the Queens and Allies office and the Student Union Association, both located on the fourth floor of the Kansas Union.
"It's worthwhile to have one available at your bedside," Quinlan said. "It's too easy to come by to not have one available."
It's important to know how to correctly use a condom, or it is useless in protecting against STDs. According to the University's Hawk Health website, 15 percent of condom failures occur because the condom was used incorrectly. Oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline or baby oil, can damage condoms. Use only water-based lubricants. And carry a condom in a wallet or a back pocket for an extended period of time can cause condom damage.
"There can be damage to the condom that the naked eye can't see. Viruses are microscopic so they penetrate even if the condom seems safe," Quinlan said, "Condom should have an expiration date."
Vaginal sex isn't the only way to contract an STD. Oral sex also carries a risk, though a smaller one than vaginal or anal sex. According to the CDC, some of the diseases
WHERE TO FIND FREE CONDOMS
Campus
Downtown
Student Union Activities: Kansas Union, fourth floor
Queers & Allies Office: Kansas Union, fourth floor
Java Break; 17 E. Seventh St
8th Street Tap Room: 801 New Hampshire St.
Henry's Coffee House: 11 E.
Eighth St.
The Third Planet: 846 Massachusetts St.
Replay Lounge: 946 Massachusetts St.
Jazzhaus: 926.5 Massachusetts St.
Source: Douglas County AIDS Project
that can be contracted through oral sex include HIV, herpes, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea and hepatitis A. Some factors that lead to contracting or transmitting STDs are genital sores, bleeding gums and oral ulcers.
Edited by David Cawthon
Q & A
Expert answers frequently asked questions about sex
BY TAYLOR LEWIS editor@kansan.com
The scene is familiar. Boy meets girl. Boy invites girl back to his room. And things progress from there.
But the hook-up doesn't end in the morning. According to Patty Quinlan, nursing supervisor at Watkins Memorial Health Center, students are facing multiple sexual health problems nowadays. She said it's important for students to take some factors into consideration before their next fling.
What should students consider before having sex?
Be comfortable enough to carry a condom with you, be it in your wallet or your purse. It's equally as important for the females and the males to be carrying condoms.
What is the biggest sexual health concern that students are facing today?
Well, the biggest concern is contracting sexually transmitted
infections. I feel like they are easily spread. We treat a good number of students who get sexually transmitted infections. Very common is chlamydia and genital warts.
What are the symptoms of those STIs?
If you have any vaginal or penile discharge — it may be discolored or just a larger amount than normal — pain on intercourse, or pain in general. Sometimes they're not symptomatic and that's not helpful, so the infection can grow worse and they don't know they have it. Also, they should look for any lumps or bumps that weren't before in the vaginal area or around the penis.
SEXUAL HEALTH RESOURCES ON CAMPUS
How can students avoid these problems?
Become comfortable discussing having sex with a partner and there are many ways to do that. They could role-play with their friends. They could seek out a professional or their physician, any person they feel comfortable to talk about something as intimate
- Ask-a-Nurse: 785-864-9583
- Women's Health: 785-
864-9566
- Health Education
Resource
as sexual relations so they can become comfortable discussing it before having a sexual relationship. That helps avoid being in a situation where you're too uncomfortable to ask that condoms or dental dams be used. Most times, students are in a position to be able to contract a STI because they're not comfortable talking about it. It's super important to me that individuals become comfortable being able to discuss sex prior to the encounter.
- Office: 785-864-9470
Edited by Clark Goble
POLITICS ARE HOT
--of the midterm elections and discuss what it means for the next two years.
ROBERT J. DOLE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS The University of Kansas
Two Ambassadors: Kathleen Stephens & Dr. Han Duk-soo Monday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., Dole Institute A rare opportunity to hear current Ambassadors from the U.S. and the Republic of Korea discuss the contemporary U.S.-Korea relationship
2010 Post Election Conference
Wednesday, Dec. 1, 3:00-6:30 p.m.
& Thursday, Dec. 2, 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Dole Institute
Expert panelists evaluate the results
what it means for the next two years.
Tim Sandefur
Renowned Libertarian author
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 7:30 p.m., Dole Institute
The Right to Earn a Living
Spring Tease
discusses his new book concerning citizens' rights to economic freedom.
Stay训培 for more sparks with all of our Spring 2011 programs!!!
All events are free and open to the public
Student Advisory Board DOLE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS The University of Kansas
Study Groups
2010 Dole Fellow Peter Fenn
will discuss the 2010 Elections
& the current political outlook
Nov. 29
4:00-5:30pm
at the Dole Institute
with Paul Curcio
Dec. 6
4:00-5:30pm
at the Dole Institute
with Russ Schriefer
Pizza & Politics
Pizza & Politics
Dec. 8 12:00-1:15pm
at the Adam's Alumni Center
with Cynthia Wheeler
and Arrick Lennard West
Recharging Kansas City
Public Education
Hello... FREE PIZZA!!!
Tea Talks
Tea, cookies and discussions on current events with KU Faculty and students. Nov. 18 & Dec. 2, 3:00-4:00pM Kansas Union, Lobby, level 4