The Guide: What to learn to avoid the burn
Sex Quiz
1. What is the most common sexually transmitted disease reported on campus?
2. True or False: The human papillomavirus is not transmittable through oral sex.
3. In addition to genital warts and cervical cancer, evidence suggests HPV can also cause _______ cancer.
4. T or F: Only women can get HPV.
5. T or F: Condoms are reusable as long as you’re having sex with the same person right away.
6. T or F: When you have an STD, you’ll know.
7. Of the gonorrhea cases reported by the Washoe County District Health Department last year, what percent were in the 15-24 age range?
a) 53 percent
b) 71 percent
c) 63 percent
d) 82 percent
8. T or F: Only water-based lubricants should be used with latex condoms; oil-based lubricants can cause condoms to break.
Answers at the bottom
How’d you do? If you missed even one question, you need to keep reading. Here are some facts, tips and resources for being safe.
How you contract STDs and how to prevent them
Hopefully it’s not news to you that:
All STDs can be transmitted through any kind of unprotected sex - even if it’s your first time.
If you have a cold sore and perform unprotected oral sex on your partner, you have just given them a type of genital herpes. Sharing isn’t caring.
The more partners you have, the higher the chance for an STD.
Condoms are your best defense and the best come with spermicide to make sure none of those little swimmers survive.
Dental dam should be used if performing oral sex on a woman.
HPV and you
HPV is the most common STD on campus, said Dr. Cheryl Hug-English from the Student Health Center. Sometimes it can go away on its own, but some specific strains account for up to 70 percent of all cervical cancer in the nation. It’s now known to cause throat cancer.
The HPV shot is a woman’s best defense against HPV but doesn’t cure it, and no immunization is available for men.
What to do and where to go for help
If you think you have an STD, stop having sex (especially if you are prone to having unprotected sex). You need to get tested, treated and you need to tell your partner(s). Being treated at the same time is vital to preventing the spread of the disease.
Two easily accessible places to go for treatment are the Student Health Center and Planned Parenthood.
The Student Health Center is located at the north end of campus, past the tennis courts and next to Lawlor Events Center and the other medical buildings on campus. It has a full staff with both nurses and doctors available to see and treat students.
The number at the Student Health Center is 775-784-6598. You can call to schedule an appointment or just to ask questions. Walk-ins are welcome.
The Planned Parenthood is located at 455 W. Fifth St. (across the street from Starbucks) and the number is 775-688-5555. Walk-ins are welcome.
Both places will respect your privacy and not release your information to anyone without your approval.
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1. HPV.* 2. False, all STDs are transmittable through oral sex.** 3. Throat cancer.** 4. False, men carry and transmit the disease to their partners.** 5. False, you should always use a new condom with every sexual encounter.** 6. False, many STDs don’t have obvious symptoms, get tested.** 7. b-71 percent. 8. True**
*According to Dr. Cheryl Hug-English, University of Nevada, Reno Student Health Center
**According to the online health professionals at WebMD
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