Spring Break is over, unfortunately. Most of us will probably be using this next week to get back into the routine of things. Some of us might even use the break as a chance to start new habits for the rest of the semester. One habit that we should continue or start is checking up on our sexual health.
Some of you may have had some extra “fun” over break, but it is important that you are still on top of things. (Not just your academics.) It is the middle of the semester and the last thing you would want to deal with is an uncomfortable illness or infection. From an urinary tract infection to a sexually transmitted disease, it is important that you know how to move forward in any situation.
Urinary Tract Infections are not very fun to endure, but are actually quite a common derivative of sex. A UTI can be very easy to handle if caught. You can easily head to your doctor and get antibiotics to solve the problem.
If you aren’t too thrilled about going to the doctor, a quick, TEMPORARY, solution is picking up some symptom relief pills from your local drug store. Cystex, is a great brand to use, especially if you don’t want your pee turning bright colors and staining your favorite pair of shorts. It has both antibacterial protection and pain relief. (This is not an excuse to avoid the doctor because you could become at risk for kidney damage.)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases demand immeadiate medical attention. There are multiple illnesses with different effects and even life-threatening effects. The scary thing is, as we have heard in sex ed, symptoms of certain infections and diseases are not immeadiately noticeable, so most students won’t be prompted to go and get tested.
Another scary statistic that the USF Health Services shared with us is that half of young adults engaging in sexual activity will have an STD by the age of 25, but won’t know.
So be the empowered young women or individual we know you are and get tested! Better safe than sorry, so love your body!
USF Health Services will be hosting a free event Wednesday, March 29th, 2017 from 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM. They will be testing for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV. There will also be free Jimmy John’s!