Spring Break
UA health center offers STD testing
Leanna Payton
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Life & Style
However, junior Amber Williams thinks a clinic allows students to feel like they have resources, and "they are more likely to go on campus because they do not have to find a place to go," she said.
Today, 41,000 people will become infected with an STD, and half of those infections will be life-long, according to womenandteens.org. More than 65 million Americans currently have an incurable STD.
"It's very important for those who have multiple partners," Williams said. "Most of the time they don't get background information on those people, and it's important for them to get tested so they don't spread anything."
The CDC recommends sexually active people get tested once a year, unless an individual knows he or she has been exposed to a disease, in which case immediate testing is strongly recommended. The testing procedures at the health center are through urine samples, swabs or cultures, and blood tests, Pope said.
It is understood that the only true way to remain STD free is through abstinence.
"It is absolutely OK not to have sex," Livoni said. "Relationships would be much better. You're giving yourself away a little at a time emotionally and physically when you have sex with multiple partners. Whether you are Christian or not, waiting on marriage and having sex with the one person who is worth it would be much more pleasurable than giving yourself away and even risking your health."
However, for those who do not abstain from sex, "[they] need to know the importance of using a condom," Pope said.
Although condoms are not 100 percent effective in preventing disease, it will help, she said.
Students struggling with STDs or those interested in getting tested can contact the health center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except during noon to 1 p.m., at 575-4478.
More information on STD testing and a full list of fees are located on health.uark.edu.
Today, 41,000 people will become infected with an STD, and half of those infections will be life-long, according to womenandteens.org. More than 65 million Americans currently have an incurable STD.
"It's very important for those who have multiple partners," Williams said. "Most of the time they don't get background information on those people, and it's important for them to get tested so they don't spread anything."
The CDC recommends sexually active people get tested once a year, unless an individual knows he or she has been exposed to a disease, in which case immediate testing is strongly recommended. The testing procedures at the health center are through urine samples, swabs or cultures, and blood tests, Pope said.
It is understood that the only true way to remain STD free is through abstinence.
"It is absolutely OK not to have sex," Livoni said. "Relationships would be much better. You're giving yourself away a little at a time emotionally and physically when you have sex with multiple partners. Whether you are Christian or not, waiting on marriage and having sex with the one person who is worth it would be much more pleasurable than giving yourself away and even risking your health."
However, for those who do not abstain from sex, "[they] need to know the importance of using a condom," Pope said.
Although condoms are not 100 percent effective in preventing disease, it will help, she said.
Students struggling with STDs or those interested in getting tested can contact the health center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except during noon to 1 p.m., at 575-4478.
More information on STD testing and a full list of fees are located on health.uark.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
stds
posted 12/18/08 @ 12:43 PM CST
Yea many more people are infected then they think. Testing needs to be done at least twice a year for sexually active people. Otherwise these diseases will end up getting even more out of control. (Continued…)
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