April 2006

Up for discussion: Infections and birth control

Amy Banham, left, student coordinator for birth control education, sits with peer educators Angelo Ercia, middle, and Tarah Baron. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

When your student calls home or comes for a visit, you surely ask about school — grades, classes, possible career plans — but are you talking about sex?

"We see a real mix of college students — those who are well-informed and others that are not as well-informed of the risks of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, through unprotected sex," says Polly Paulson, a health educator at Health Education and Promotion, a department within the Cowell Student Health Center.

According to a 2005 American College Health Association survey on campus, approximately 50 percent to 60 percent of students are sexually active — but nearly half of those are not using condoms and putting themselves at risk.

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection, followed by genital herpes and warts. More than half of those infected with chlamydia have no signs of the disease that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems, including infertility.

"Many individuals with STIs do not have symptoms, but that doesn't mean a person is disease-free," Paulson says. "If a student is exposed to STIs during unprotected sex, they need screening."

Screening offered

The health center offers students low-cost urine screening for gonorrhea and chlamydia for men and women, which is welcome news for men who can be reluctant to undergo more invasive techniques. Women are also screened if they visit the health center for a well woman exam.

Paulson recommends that students always use a condom during intercourse and a barrier during oral sex. Condoms are not 100 percent effective, but they can greatly decrease the transmission of infection. Students can obtain up to two free condoms a day at the front desk of Health Education Promotion or purchase 10 for $1 at any reception window inside the health center.

The health education unit also offers the only anonymous testing program in Yolo County for human immunodeficiency virus or HIV. Every Tuesday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., students can walk in and take a free oral HIV antibody test. Results are available in two weeks.

Birth control education

In addition to providing counseling, Health Promotion and Education offers written materials on infections and birth control. (Karin Higgins/UC Davis)

In addition to screening, the health center provides free birth control education classes once a week. They are led by a registered nurse, and couples are welcome. Peer educators also offer birth control education counseling for individuals or couples.

"This is a great opportunity for students because it allows them to interact with a peer and get information on birth control in a less clinical setting," says Amy Banham, a third-year student who serves as student coordinator for birth control education.

Should a student need a prescription for birth control, the student can make an appointment in the Women's Clinic.

Campus resources

One last bit of advice for parents from Paulson: Familiarize yourself with the resources available on campus, and open a continuing dialogue with your student about his or her health and well-being, including sexuality.

Campus resources on sex-related topics include:

• the Cowell Student Health Center
• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Women's Resources and Research Center
• and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Resource Center.

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