STD or Sexually Transmitted Disease prevention is a concept that most students have heard about over and over again by the time they hit college. Starting as early as junior high, health classes across the United States begin informing students about the dangers and consequences of unprotected sex. The shocking thing about this is that although most college students are educated on the basic negative consequences of unsafe sexual practices, there are still around 19 million new STDs that occur every year in the United States, most of which go undiagnosed.
This poses the question that if students know that STDs are a real threat, why do so few get tested? Some students argue that it can be embarrassing to talk to healthcare professionals about their sex life while others think it is too costly.
The Student Health Center at Fort Hays State University is working on changing the negative stigmas that come with STD prevention and testing by bringing GYT(Get Yourself Tested or Get Yourself Talking) Wednesdays to campus. This program will take place on the first Wednesday of every month and will provide free STD testing to Fort Hays students.
Gabriella Apodaca, a junior, shared her thoughts on the GYT program. “I think this program will be very beneficial to FHSU students because it will allow them to practice safe sex, and make sure they are being healthy about it. By offering free testing more than just once a school year, it will give more students the opportunity to get checked. Apodaca also shared why she thinks students often avoid getting tested. “I think many people are shy and too embarrassed to get themselves tested, but maybe if they see the resources offered and that other students are getting tested as well, they will feel more comfortable talking about sex and how they can be safe while doing it.”
Abigail Artz provided her input on the program as well. “I think STDs are an important issue that students are generally informed about, but there is still a lot more that they can learn about prevention. I think it is important for anyone who is or has been sexually active in the past to get tested, and having the opportunity to do it for free will really benefit students at FHSU.” Artz also contributed that offering the STD testing on campus will make it much more comfortable for students to get STD tests.
Although most college students do have a basic understanding of safe sex practices, there is always more that they can learn about. The GYT program available through FHSU’s Student Health Center is a great way to be smarter when it comes to sexual interactions. Students who take the time to get themselves tested will be better informed about how to prevent STDs and more aware of their own sexual health.