ASU Health Services provides students with affordable STI tests as STD rates rise in the US | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

ASU Health Services provides students with affordable STI tests as STD rates rise in the US

The 2018 CDC report says three STDs are on the rise across the nation.

59
ASU Health Services provides students with affordable STI tests as STD rates rise in the US
Pixabay

Arizona State University is offering $20 Sexually transmitted infections (STI) tests with the rise of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in the United States.

STIs are infections that are passed from one person to another during any form of sexual activity.

Several of the most common STIs have no symptoms or they have mild signs that can be easily overlooked. Therefore, the sexually transmitted bacteria or viruses may or may not result in an STD according to the American Sexual Health Association.

Combined cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis have increased in the U.S. according to a Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance Report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Combined they total 2.4 million infections that were diagnosed and reported just in last year alone," said Elizabeth Torrone, a CDC epidemiologist who worked on the report, told CNN on Oct. 8, 2019.

According to the 2018 STD Surveillance Report, Arizona had 40,807 reported cases of chlamydia, 12,870 reported cases of gonorrhea, and 1,047 reported cases of syphilis.

Arizona's ranks compared to the rest of the states are:

  • 16th for reported chlamydia cases with a rate of 581.6 per 100,000 population
  • 19th for reported gonorrhea cases with a rate of 183.4 per 100,000 population
  • 5th for reported syphilis cases with 14.9 per 100,000 population

This means at ASU, which had a population of 73,000 students in 2018 according to ASU Now, there was an estimated total of 779.9 reported cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis which is approximately 2% of Arizona's total reported cases last year.

With the rise of STDs, it is important for ASU students to know what options they have to prevent and treat them.

ASU Health Services currently offers STI tests for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and even HIV on all four campuses.

Testing can be scheduled with a provider to discuss a student's questions and determine what test is best for them, but walk-ins, where the patient chooses what they can be tested for, are welcomed.

A student does not need to have insurance to be tested, seeing as each test has a fee of $20.

Women are less likely than men to have symptoms of these common STDs, therefore they are less likely to seek care, according to ASHA.

If left untreated STIs and STDs can lead to several health problems including infertility and problems during pregnancy.

The CDC recommends all sexually active women under 25 should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. The CDC also recommends all sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year. But people who have multiple partners should be tested frequently.

The cause of the rise is undetermined.

Torrone told CNN it is important to remember that the number may be a result of more people getting STD screenings, but "steep and sustained increase" shows that may not be the only reason.

"Some of that increase in incidence may be due to change in sexual behaviors," Torrone told CNN.

Researchers found, in a study about the factors affecting condom use among college students in south-central Kentucky, among sexually active students approximately half do not use condoms when having sexual intercourse. The study also found approximately 95% of students engaging with oral sex do not use a condom either.

Lance Lim, a second-year nursing student and Barrett, the Honors College Senator for ASU's Undergraduate Student Government Downtown, said health services has a bowl in their waiting areas full of free condoms.

Lim also said USGD is also developing a proposal to start a free condom program.

"It's important to offer free condoms as it encourages all types of students, no matter their sexuality or gender, to practice safe sex habits," Lim said.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

570
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1323
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

4003
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

18038
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments