Sex is a part of life for most people. In early adulthood, people tend to engage in it more frequently than they will later in life, according to Psychology Today, which increases the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection. That’s why it is important to educate young adults on safe sex practices.
According to ABC News, STIs are increasing globally, based on a 2024 report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Highly treatable infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea account for more than 1 million cases for adults ages 19 to 49. Additionally, instances of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea have increased from 5% to 40% in nine countries as of 2023.
Because of the rise in STIs, Pierce College, through the Student Health Center, should host a workshop to educate students on the types of STIs and safe sex practices. This could help reduce the spread of these infections.
The Student Health Center offers resources to students such as STI screenings and PEP medications, according to its website. These services are available for people voluntarily having intercourse, as well these for survivors of sexual assault. But retroactive solutions may not be enough, and it is important to educate and emphasize the necessary steps of being safe before engaging in intercourse.
Even though health fairs are held on campus, broader campus-wide sexual health education is essential, either through a dedicated workshop or through tabling.
According to Inside Higher Ed, a 2023 survey found that 26% of respondents believed their campus offered sufficient sexual health services. In the article, it was also reported that only 60% of students had received sex ed by ninth grade, and only 31% were taught about correct condom use.
Guttmacher Policy Review attributes the lack of adequate sexual health education to abstinence-only programs in schools that do not align with young adults’ sexual habits.
Young people are disproportionately affected by STIs, particularly in adolescence and in their early 20s. They also have difficulty accessing quality sexual health information that can mitigate the spread of diseases, according to Guttmacher Policy Review.
Having sex is a normal part of life and having conversations about how to do so safely are important. Being ill-informed can lead individuals to a false sense of security. Two common myths according to River Bend Medical Associates are that someone can’t catch an STI from kissing or oral sex, or that someone doesn’t need to get tested if they don’t have any symptoms. But this isn’t true, because STIs can spread orally, such as herpes and HPV, and many STIs may be asymptomatic.
It is important that Pierce supplements sexual health education, because of prevalent gaps.
