Let's talk about sex
Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: News
All about sexual health:
Nationally, the most common STD is Herpes, which affects about 45 million people, or about one in four of the young adult population. Both Herpes and genital warts are probably the most common on DePauw's campus.
Symptoms of these diseases vary. For genital warts, genital skin develops rough elevations, much like warts in other places. Herpes appears in red bumps that develop into blisters; it can also cause pain and burning during urination. General symptoms of other STDs for women include: abnormal vaginal discharge, itching or odor, abdominal pains and fever. For men, genital itching, painful intercourse, unusual discharge, painful or irritated testicles or burning or pain while urinating are the most common symptoms.
A woman should have a pelvic exam at least once a year, starting at the age of 21 if she has never had vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. If she is sexually active, she should first get a pelvic exam within three years of her first sexual experience. There are no set guidelines for male exams. Regardless, every time a person of either gender changes sex partners, he or she should be examined.
A person can get an STD from vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. STDs are also passed simply by skin-to-skin contact - especially the viral STDs.
Men and women, regardless of whether or not they are having intercourse, can protect themselves from the transfer of STDs by the use of condoms or Dental Dam - a piece of latex designed to cover the vaginal opening during oral intercourse.
All about birth control options:
The Wellness Center provides a variety of birth control - condoms are free and available. If properly used, they prevent pregnancy as well as the transfer of STDs. The Wellness Center also offers two different types of birth control pills: Desogen and Ortho-Tricyclin Low. The Nuvaring, which is inserted into the vagina and remains for three weeks at a time, and Plan B are also options and should be used within 72 hours after any form of unprotected sex.
Nationally, the most common STD is Herpes, which affects about 45 million people, or about one in four of the young adult population. Both Herpes and genital warts are probably the most common on DePauw's campus.
Symptoms of these diseases vary. For genital warts, genital skin develops rough elevations, much like warts in other places. Herpes appears in red bumps that develop into blisters; it can also cause pain and burning during urination. General symptoms of other STDs for women include: abnormal vaginal discharge, itching or odor, abdominal pains and fever. For men, genital itching, painful intercourse, unusual discharge, painful or irritated testicles or burning or pain while urinating are the most common symptoms.
A woman should have a pelvic exam at least once a year, starting at the age of 21 if she has never had vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. If she is sexually active, she should first get a pelvic exam within three years of her first sexual experience. There are no set guidelines for male exams. Regardless, every time a person of either gender changes sex partners, he or she should be examined.
A person can get an STD from vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. STDs are also passed simply by skin-to-skin contact - especially the viral STDs.
Men and women, regardless of whether or not they are having intercourse, can protect themselves from the transfer of STDs by the use of condoms or Dental Dam - a piece of latex designed to cover the vaginal opening during oral intercourse.
All about birth control options:
The Wellness Center provides a variety of birth control - condoms are free and available. If properly used, they prevent pregnancy as well as the transfer of STDs. The Wellness Center also offers two different types of birth control pills: Desogen and Ortho-Tricyclin Low. The Nuvaring, which is inserted into the vagina and remains for three weeks at a time, and Plan B are also options and should be used within 72 hours after any form of unprotected sex.
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