State sees rise in STD rates

More than 17,000 new cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported in Minnesota in 2007. This 4 percent increase from 2006 continues a decade long trend in Minnesota.

"This is a complex problem that needs comprehensive solutions," said Kathi Di Nicola, director of media relations for Planned Parenthood.

These comprehensive solutions include empowering parents to be the primary sex educator for their children, accurate sex education in schools, getting youth involved and having access to medical care and regular screening for STDs.

Moving forward with these solutions has been slow, which raises concern that next year the STD rate will continue rising. Recently, a $1.3 million proposal for state money to be used for screening and public education failed to pass in the Legislature.

In 2007, the University of Minnesota's Prevention Research Center conducted a survey to find out parents' attitudes about sex education in school. The study found that 89 percent of parents want sex education that includes information about abstinence, prevention of pregnancy and STDs.

For the past eight years, a bill for this comprehensive sex education has been put on the table but never passed. Last year, the threat of a veto by Gov. Tim Pawlenty withdrew the bill after passing the House and Senate. This year the bill is on the table again and supporters are more optimistic it will become law.

Comprehensive sex education has proven to delay the age at which sexual activity starts, increase the use of contraceptives and reduce frequency of sex and the number of partners.

STD prevention on campus

The American Social Health Association states that one in two sexually active persons will contract an STD or STI by age 25 and two-thirds of STIs occur in people under the age of 25.

Even with this information easily accessible by college students, another study done by University of Minnesota found that only 60 percent of college students use condoms for vaginal intercourse and 31.1 percent use condoms for anal intercourse.

"It is so important that college students become their own health care advocates," Di Nicola said. Educating yourself on how to be safe is Di Nicola's advice for the best thing college students can do to prevent STDs. It is also important to ask your doctor questions and get regular screenings.

SCSU's health educator, Troy Shafer, says that students can eliminate their risk of getting an STD with abstinence, but with more than 3 out of 4 college students being sexually active, limiting the number of partners and using condoms are the best alternatives.

"If you put yourself at risk - and when getting into a new relationship - you should get tested," Shafer said. He also pointed out that it is important to know that often there are no obvious signs of STDs being present.

Testing is available at Student Health Services . Most tests can be done with just a urine sample, but some require drawing blood or a swab. Like any other clinic, they can treat but not cure STDs.

Shafer said that the rising number of STDs may actually indicate some positive action. He and other experts believe that part of the rising number is due to people talking about this topic more and the fact that testing has got easier. This could mean there are not necessarily more STDs, but more are being caught and treated.