{"id":2766,"date":"2022-09-30T15:37:12","date_gmt":"2022-09-30T20:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/health\/?p=2766"},"modified":"2022-10-02T17:22:10","modified_gmt":"2022-10-02T22:22:10","slug":"october-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.stolaf.edu\/health\/updates\/october-3","title":{"rendered":"Update for Week of October 3, 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"

Health Services Update<\/b><\/h4>\n

Half of all sexually transmitted infections (STI) in the United States are in the age group of 15-24 years old. STI are acquired by sexual contact and do not always cause symptoms. Understanding if you are at risk of contracting an STI can help with testing and management of STI. You are at high risk of developing an STI if you have had unprotected sexual intercourse, sexual contact with multiple partners, or have a history of STI. It is recommended that if you fall into this category that you get routine testing for STI, even if you do not have symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

By recognizing some of the common symptoms of an STI which include sores or bumps on the genitals area, painful or burning urination, discharge from the penis, vaginal discharge or bleeding, pain during sex, lower abdominal pain, or fever can help with early detection. Making sure that you get tested will help to avoid complications which include pelvic pain, arthritis, infertility, and certain cancers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are easy steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting an STI and these include abstaining from sexual intercourse, staying with one uninfected partner, use condoms and dental dams consistently and correctly, get vaccinated against STI infections, and don\u2019t drink alcohol excessively or use drugs. Condoms and dental dams are available through the Wellness Center.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The HPV vaccine is an effective tool to help reduce the risk of cervical cancers by 90%. If you are interested in obtaining this vaccination, there will be an immunization clinic on October 6th offered by Homeland Health.\u00a0 For information and sign-up please follow this link <\/span>Homeland Health Immunization Clinic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

If you are concerned that you have an STI or fall in the high risk group, you can make an appointment at Health Services at 507-786-3063 for testing. For more information about STI you can visit this webpage <\/span>Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Upcoming Immunization Clinics:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n