By Brian Ray
April is Sexually Transmitted Infections awareness month according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This annual observance raises understanding about the impact of sexually transmitted infections that alter the health of Americans and the importance of discussing sexual health with healthcare providers and sexual partners.
In honor of STI awareness month, tomorrow, April 22, at Campus Health Services on the Belknap Campus from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., there will be free HIV testing.
“We have gotten a very good response from students,” said Karen Newton, Director of Health Promotion and Education at Campus Health Services at U of L. “Because of the strong response, we are already planning to routinely provide free testing during the fall next semester.”
STIs – also called STDs or sexually transmitted diseases- are infections that are passed from one person to another by sexual or close bodily contact, including oral and genital without intercourse. STIs can cause both short and long-term harm, including fertility problems, cancer and AIDS.
“STIs do not always show symptoms,” Newton said. “Anyone having sexual, oral or genital contact is at risk and should get tested regularly. Most important is early diagnosis and treatment. This offers the best chance for curing and/or managing the disease and preventing spread to others. Also, most of the STIs are easily treatable.”
Senior nursing major Lindsay Luckett agrees.
“I think it is extremely important to get tested for HIV because if it is caught early, the chances of being treated and [not] going into full blown AIDS is a lot better,” Luckett said. “If they catch you with HIV they can give you anti-viral medication which will lessen your chances of getting AIDS.”
According to Newton, STI testing is always available for a reasonable price at Campus Health Services. The CDC recommends anyone age 13 to 65 should be tested regularly for an STI.
“We don’t try to scare people about HIV and other STIs,” Newton said. “But the earlier someone gets tested the better. Nineteen million people will be infected with an STI this year, and half will be ages 18 to 24.”
Peer Health Advocate Kathleen Conte stressed the fact that communication is key to healthy and safe sex.
“Also, you can pick up condoms, dental dams, lube and more information on additional barrier methods that can help reduce your risk for contracting an STI at Campus Health Services, Conte said.
Anyone with questions about STIs or testing is encouraged to call Campus Health Services and talk with a Peer Health Advocate at 852-6479 or visit their Web site at louisville.edu/campushealth.
