无论你是否在恋爱, 勾搭或保持单身, knowing how to prevent and treat sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can help you stay healthy and safe.
Here are a few things everyone should know about STIs.
1. 什么是性传播感染?
STIs are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual activities, 包括口交, 阴道性交, 肛交, genital contact or sexual fluids like semen. These types of infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.
2. 性传播感染有多普遍?
Sexually transmitted infections are more common than you may think.
事实上, the Centers for Disease Control and 预防 (CDC) estimates that 大约五分之一的美国人.S. 得了性病. Young adults ages 14 to 25 are also at an increased risk of contracting an STI.
Some of the most common STIs among college students include:
It’s important to remember that anyone can get an STI, 不管他们是什么种族, 性别认同, 性取向, 伴侣的年龄或数量.
3. 它们可以预防吗??
是的!
Sex is better when you don’t have to worry about contracting STIs. Here are a few safer sex practices you can use to protect yourself and your partner.
使用保护
While contraceptives and birth control can help prevent pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections.
Using physical barriers like condoms and 牙科大坝 can help reduce your contact with sexual fluids, 哪些可以传播性传播感染. 为了最好的保护, it’s important to use a barrier every time you have oral, 肛交或阴道性交.
如果你使用性玩具, wash them properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using them on another person. You can also use condoms with sex toys for added protection. Just remember to change the condom before using it on another person.
If you’re not sure how to properly apply a condom or use a dental dam, 按照以下步骤操作.
专家提示: Wearing two condoms doesn’t double your protection. 事实上, they can rub together and create friction, which can cause one or both of the condoms to break or tear. Stay safe and save money by only using one condom at a time.
接种疫苗
Vaccines are a great way to protect yourself (and your partners) against sexually transmitted infections caused by certain viruses. Currently, there are vaccines to protect against the following STIs.
- 人乳头瘤病毒(HPV): HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. Some forms of HPV can cause genital warts, while others can lead to cancer.
- 乙型肝炎: HBV causes a liver infection that can lead to short-term illness or longer-term health issues, 包括肝癌.
Vaccines for HPV and hepatitis B are available to students through 医疗服务.
了解你的性伴侣
Many people may have an STI without even knowing it. 这是因为 the most common symptom is no symptoms at all. Talk with your partner(s) about your sexual history and test results. New sexual partners may come with new risks, so it’s important to continue to practice safe sex.
专家提示: Not sure how to talk to your partner about STIs? Check out this article for helpful tips on starting the conversation.
进行检查(必要时进行治疗)
It’s a good idea for you and your partner(s) to get tested at least once per year, even if you don’t have any symptoms of an STI. Try to get tested between partners, preferably before you start having oral, 肛交或阴道性交.
If you’ve had sex and are worried that you may have been exposed to an STI, it’s important to remember that it can take some time before an STI becomes active in your body. Testing too soon can cause you to get inaccurate results. Instead, follow these guidelines for testing:
- 艾滋病毒: 在23至90天后进行检测
- 衣原体: 5天到2周后进行测试
- 淋病: 5天到2周后进行测试
- 梅毒: 2 - 3周后接受检查
If you’re not sure when to get tested or what tests you need, 医疗服务 can help you determine what is right for you.
专家提示: If you’re experiencing any symptoms, such as itching, burning or pain, get tested right away.
额外的资源
Students have access to STI测试, free safer sex supplies and more!
领取免费用品
Stop by Wardenburg 健康 Center to pick up free safer sex supplies like condoms, 牙科大坝, 润滑油和更多.
- 健康促进: 三楼健康套房
- 性健康和生殖健康办公室: 1楼登记区
迷箱
Students living on campus can also get free safer sex supplies like condoms, 牙科大坝 and lube delivered directly to their residence halls in discrete packaging.
STI测试
医疗服务 provides STI测试 by appointment and through drop-in lab services. Tests are available for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
性健康和生殖健康
医疗部门提供节育服务, 长效可逆避孕, STI测试, 年度考试, 紧急避孕法, pregnancy testing and more through their 性健康和生殖健康 office.
免费艾滋病毒检测
The Boulder County Aids Project (BCAP) offers free and confidential HIV testing at various community locations around Boulder.
同意与性侵犯
Sexual violence can have lasting impacts on individuals and communities. Read this article to learn about consent, sexual assault and resources.