Stephanie Cohen, Staff Writer

            No matter what you call it – the birds and the bees, lovemaking, or getting it on – sex happens.

            Like most things in life, sex comes with a big risk factor. Sexually transmitted infections, in both the viral and bacterial form, can bring a quick end to a night full of passion.

            Sexually transmitted infections, or more commonly known as STI’s, are becoming a widespread problem throughout UB.

However, the university is making an effort to prevent these infections from spreading.

            According to Jane Fischer, the Director of SBI Health Education, it is estimated that 1 percent of individuals on a college campus suffer from a STI.

 Looking at UB’s campus of 25,000 students, that percentage would make about 250 students infected with some form of STI.

            “Nationwide, a recent study suggests that one in two sexually active persons will contract an STD/STI by age 25,” Fischer said.

            Fischer also said that the most prevalent bacterial infection at UB is Chlamydia, while the most common viral infection is genital human papillomavirus, with herpes coming in a close second place.

            “In the testing program partnership between Student Health, Erie County and SBI, approximately 3 to 6 percent of all those people tested have been positive for Chlamydia nationwide,” Fischer said. “Each year, there are almost three million new cases of Chlamydia, many in adolescents and young adults.”

            One of the major dangers of STI’s, aside from the obvious consequences, is that one can be infected with an STI and be completely unaware.

            “If you think you've done something that puts you at risk, you should be tested as soon as possible,” Fischer said. “This could reduce the risk of re-infecting your partner, and will help speed treatment.”

            STI’s rarely have physical manifestations on the person who is infected.

            “You absolutely cannot tell if someone has a STI or not by how someone looks, acts, who they hang around with, what you've heard about them, or who they've hooked up with in the past,” Fischer said.

            Talking to a doctor is essential to remaining sexually safe and healthy. Students need to be able to speak honestly with their doctors concerning possible STI’s, and they also need to be their own advocates.

            “You need to be as vocal about STI testing as you would be for [the H1N1 virus], or Mono, or anything else,” Fischer said. “Many people think they’re being tested for STI’s during routine medical appointments. Truthfully, you need to request screening or testing [for STI’s].”

            Going without testing can cause serious health implications, and ignoring an STI won’t make it go away.

Students who believe they may be infected are encouraged to visit the student health center in Michael Hall where testing is offered. 

            “Depending on your risk factors, symptoms, and insurance coverage, there are options available to you,” Fischer said. “The key is to be completely open and honest about what types of sex you've had, with [what person,] and what else may have put you at risk.”

            There are many off-campus options as well for testing. Resources like Planned Parenthood and the Community Health Center of Buffalo offer testing for little to no cost.

According to the Planned Parenthood Web site, the establishment provides full testing services as well as free preventative measures like condoms and dental dams.

            Prevention is crucial for avoiding STI’s, and the first step is practicing safer sex.

            “Abstinence is the best way [to avoid a STI,]” Fischer said. “However, consistent and correct barrier use during vaginal, oral and anal sex helps reduce [infectious] risks.”

            Resources on campus go beyond testing students. Places like the SBI Health Education office not only teach students how to use condoms, but also offer counseling services to students with a possible STI.

            “We can talk about coping skills, communicating your diagnosis with your current or future partners, and talk about what kinds of activities and behaviors you should or shouldn't engage in to reduce the risk of infection or re-infection,” Fischer said.

            Fischer explains that learning how to use a condom properly can even become a part of foreplay.

            “Keeping yourself safe, and wanting to keep your partner safe, can be very sexy,” Fischer said.

            For more information on how to stay sexually safe and healthy, visit www.subboard.com/he/.

E-mail: features@ubspectrum.com