Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that are transmitted through sexual contact.

STIs can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Rarely, prolonged physical contact is all that is needed for transmission of STIs

Some examples of STIs include HIV, gonorrhea, and herpes.

How Common are STIs Among Undergraduates

STIs are quite common among undergraduates. Over 1 million STIs are acquired daily worldwide and about 33% of these cases occur in people younger than 25 years old.

People of undergraduate age are at a relatively high risk of contracting STIs for reasons which include:

⦁ Biologically, women are more susceptible to STIs. This is because the vaginal surface is larger and also more vulnerable than the penis which is narrow and protected by a skin covering.
⦁ Lack of access to proper healthcare
⦁ Young people tend to keep multiple sexual partners

Why you should know about STIs

When you know about STIs, you know how to prevent been infected with them.
Another reason you should know about STIs is that these diseases are often curable. Gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia for instance can easily be treated using antibiotics.

However, if left untreated, these diseases could progress and cause serious damage to the body. Such damage is often impossible to reverse once it has occurred. As such, it is important to treat these infections as early as possible. In the cases of incurable STIs such as HIV, early detection can help prevent the progression of these infections.

Symptoms of STIs

Different diseases have different symptoms. However, some common symptoms that hint at the presence of STIs include:
⦁ Genital sores or bumps
⦁ Pain or burning sensation during urination
⦁ Genital discharge
⦁ Painful sex
⦁ Unusual bleeding or discharge

With STIs being commonly found among the undergraduate population, it is important for undergraduates to understand what they are and how they can be prevented as well as treatment options.