Few STDs on campus

Studies say that one in four college students have a sexually transmitted disease, but does that necessarily mean that every college campus is full of these diseases?

Abby Provost, a nurse at the Brown House says that's not the case.

"I've only had one positive Chlamydia this year, and I believe there were only two positive cases last year," she said.

But how bad can it be, everyone uses protection, right? Wrong. Only 54 percent of students say they regularly use condoms during vaginal sex, a possible reason why STs are so commonly found on college campuses.

The Brown House and other healthcare providers on campuses around the country provide free condoms, but not all students are taking advantage of these resources.  In a nationwide poll, 60 percent of women said they would still have sex even if their partner refused to wear a condom. As young adults, we need to realize that some partners, even those you really like, may not be worth having unprotected sex with if it puts you at risk of getting an STD.

Lyndon State College's STD rate is very low compared to other college campuses, but that doesn't mean that they are still not out there. Considering that roughly 50 to 60 students get tested at the Brown House each year, it leaves the other 1440 students questionable.

If you have any questions or would like any more information, call the Brown House at (802) 626-6440.