UHS: Exercise caution when engaging in sexual activity

Almost anything in life that is fun, pleasurable or even daring, comes with some degree of risk. And, when taking any risk, there is a degree of caution that must be aired. The same is true for one’s sexual health.

Participation in any form of sexual activity is a risk, because the only 100 percent safe sex is abstinence. Thus, when taking part in a sexual act, one should exercise caution by using any of the various forms of safer sex. However, recent data gathered by University Health Service shows that many students are not putting this measure of caution into practice when engaging in sexual activity.

According to UHS, there has been an increase in positive test results for chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes — three of the most common sexually transmitted infections on UK’s campus — this year.

Although the new school year has just started, UHS clinicians have already reported seeing a number of positive results found for these STIs. Students should keep in mind the many safer sex options available to them before engaging in any form of sexual activity. These include condoms, dental dams and birth control, just to name a few.

Students should also keep in mind that many of these safer sex tools are offered at UHS, along with a number of other services, such as free testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis for full-time students. In addition, UHS offers free Pap tests and pelvic examinations — important screenings for women’s health — as well as birth control counseling.

Students can also seek help from the Sexperts, a peer health education organization. The Sexperts are available to do presentations for any campus affiliated group (including residence halls) about sexual health, answer questions related to safer sex and are best known for those handy “Sex in the Sack” bags.

For more information, go to ukhealthcare.uky.edu/uhs or email the Sexperts at [email protected]. Find us on Facebook under University of Kentucky Sexperts.