Chlamydia, Gonorhea most common STDs among UNR students
University of Nevada, Reno, students contract human papillomavirus, chlamydia and gonorrhea more often than any other sexually transmitted diseases, according to recent sexual health statistics from the National College Health Assessment.
“All the most common STDs don’t or might not show symptoms,” said Enid Jennings, health educator and program coordinator for the health promotion program at UNR’s Student Health Center. “If you are choosing to be sexually active, you should know about these risks and know about testing.”
The American College Health Association collects approximately 80 percent of national assessment data through an online survey of students that are randomly chosen for participation. The ACHA publishes its results biannually.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
“There’s a lot of hype around HPV but it’s all legitimate,” Jennings said. “It’s nothing new. HPV has been a common STD for a long time.”
These sexually transmitted viruses cause genital warts in both men and women, and untreated infections may cause cervical cancer in women. However, warts or lesions can be microscopic or internal, symptoms may disappear and men can be entirely asymptomatic.
Because HPV, along with other herpes diseases and HIV, is viral “we can treat them, but we can’t really cure those infections,” said Dr. Cheryl Hug-English, the medical director of the health center. “Oftentimes, people don’t notice because it’s painless.”
According to the NCHA, UNR’s rate of student HPV infection is 3.6 percent.
Hug-English said HPV usually requires an acid treatment to freeze any external lesions. Internal lesions, like those that can form on the cervix, are more difficult to treat and may require electrocautery.
Jennings said women should schedule an annual pap test to prevent HPV from going untreated.
“The one good thing about HPV is many times the infection does regress on its own,” Hug-English said. “But it can recur. It’s important to retest.”
Chlamydia and gonorrhea
Both chlamydia and gonorrhea, along with syphilis, are bacterial, which means they can be completely cured by antibiotic treatment, said Hug-English. Syphilis is much less common than chlamydia and gonorrhea among UNR students.
The NCHA survey concluded that 2.1 percent of UNR’s student population has contracted chlamydia, which is double the national average, Jennings said.
“The consequences of leaving these untreated are very great,” Jennings said. “They may lead to infertility.”
Avoiding STDs
Jennings said the only fail-safe way to avoid contracting an STD is to remain abstinent. However, she said the student stereotype that “everyone is having sex on this campus”is not entirely true.
According to the NCHA survey, about 26 percent of UNR students have not had sex in the past 12 months and another 41 percent have had only one partner in that period.
“If you are choosing to be sexually active, then condoms, condoms, condoms,” Jennings said. “They are not fail-safe, but they are the best method of preventing the spread of STDs during sex.”
Jennings also said sexually active individuals should limit their partners, remain monogamous and emphasized that partners should communicate with one another.
Aaron Benedetti can be reached at news@nevadasagebrush.com.
What: HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea testing for university students
Where: UNR Student Health Center in the Nell J. Redfield building
Walk-in hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 to 9 a.m. Wednesday. Closed on holidays.
Cost: Free during the month of February
Contact: Call 784-6598 for more information.
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