Although the state reports cases of one common sexually transmitted infection in Athens decreased from last year and another has almost doubled, the numbers should be taken with a grain of salt.
Athens had 42 cases of reported gonorrhea in 2007, up from 22 in 2006, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Cases of chlamydia, a bacterial infection similar to gonorrhea, have decreased from 266 in 2006 to 102 in 2007.
According to Char Kopchick, the Director of Health Promotion at Ohio University, the data isn't a foolproof indicator of the actual number of cases. Many OU students get tested by a family doctor, someone who would report an infection in the student's hometown, Kopchick said. Statistics can also be thrown off by private doctors who may not report cases of sexually transmitted infections for the sake of their patient's privacy.
The sexually active portion of the population that does not get tested regularly can also skew statistics.
Usually
it's when people are (presented) with symptoms that they get tested Kopchick said.
She explained that with bacterial infections like gonorrhea and chlamydia, 80 to 90 percent of women and 50 to 60 percent of men are asymptomatic until they experience severe reproductive damage. The time between contracting the infection and showing symptoms varies from case to case.
That is why there is a major switch in the terminology from 'STD's' to 'STI's' Kopchick continued. Many people are infected and infectious
but aren't presenting with symptoms in a diseased state.
Gonorrhea, chlamydia and all bacterial sexually transmitted infections can be cured with little or no side effects if they are diagnosed and treated in time. This requires testing even when no symptoms are present.
A widespread myth about sexually transmitted infections is that they can only be passed through intercourse, Kopchick said. In actuality, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can be contracted in the throat, anus and eyes, she added. Therefore, any type of sexual contact, including anal intercourse, oral sex and even hand-to-genital contact can lead to contraction.
Many people think oral sex is safer
Kopchick said. It is not.
There are many ways students can protect themselves against sexually transmitted infections. The most effective means of prevention is knowledge about the different types of protection and how to use them correctly.
Everyone needs to have the correct information
Kopchick said. There's a lot of misinformation out there.
While complete sexual abstinence is the only way to be safe from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, there are precautions one can take if one wants to engage in sexual activity.
While hormonal birth control is effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy, it does not protect against any form of STI. Latex barriers, such as a condom, are the most effective way to reduce the risk of catching an infection.
More information about forms of protection and testing for sexually transmitted infections can be obtained from the office of Health Promotion on the third floor of Baker Center, Southeast Ohio's Planned Parenthood, located on East State Street, and Hudson Health Center.
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Natalie LaConte
