Nyah Acklam
Contributing Writer
The beginning of any college semester is always rampant with sexually active young adults, and ESU students are no different. With many eager to mingle within the first few weeks of classes, many succeed, but is their sexual safety as active as their stamina?
A recent study on the sexual health of ESU Students was taken on Friday, Sept. 13. From a sample size of thirty students, a range of questions on sexual health were asked. The results showed a stark difference in the sexual habits between male and female students, with male students being less likely to practice safe sex.
From the data collected, male students are less likely to use condoms during sexual encounters compared to their female counterparts. Only 5.3 percent of males interviewed admitted to regular testing while 85.7 percent of females admitted to consistent testing. Female students tend to be more proactive about contraception, such as using condoms, birth control pills and/or IUDs.
Many male students cited the lack of perceived risk, discomfort with condoms or lack of pleasure as reasons not to use condoms regularly.
The data collected also reveals that male students on campus are less likely to go for STI testing, unlike female students who are more likely to undergo regular checkups as part of their reproductive health along standard check-ups. Many male students cited a lack of education on STIs and a lack of knowledge on where to find affordable testing as to why they do not get tested consistently.
When asked if the students knew where our Student Health Center is located many said they “have no idea” how to get there.
A big part of the issue with sexual health amongst students on campus is the lack of education. A significant number of students arrive on campus without any proper understanding of sexual education or sexual health. Many of them only have surface-level knowledge from one class in high school which can lead to risky sexual habits. As a result, many students lack basic knowledge of sexual health, contraception and most importantly: consent.
While we do have university programs aimed at filling these gaps, students still feel that the information provided is too general or not widely advertised. ESU’s Student Health Center provides free or low-cost contraceptives, but accessibility remains a concern to some. Students reported difficulties in obtaining birth control or condoms simply from a lack of information on
where to go for it.
Not only is accessibility an issue but so is the stigma surrounding STDs. Sex has become a lot less taboo in recent years but the stigma around STDs can sometimes deter students from seeking the proper medical care. This further contributes to unintended pregnancies or exposure to STIs.
A less talked on point is the connection between sexual health and mental health. Many students who have negative experiences in their sex lives can often have mental health issues. Students who experience STDs or unwanted pregnancies can have feelings of anxiety, shame or even depression.
A solution to the lack of education on campus would be to host clinics and provide peer educators. These educators can offer proper information on sexual health and sexual health services around campus to those who want it.
More interesting data points:
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