Condom use has long been advocated as a nearly foolproof way to prevent the contracting of sexually transmitted diseases. But new research indicates this may not be the case. The Medical Institute for Sexual Health (MISH) recently released a scientific report called “Sex, Condoms, and STDs: What We Now Know.” The report reviews new research findings and suggests that even 100 percent condom use does not eliminate the risk of contracting any STD, even HIV.
For example, even with the use of condoms an individual still has a 50 percent chance of contracting syphilis, gonorrhea or genital herpes. According to the MISH, there is no evidence of any risk reduction for the sexual transmission of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) despite condom use. HPV is the most common viral STD in the United States affecting over five million Americans every year.
According to the MISH, in order to provide any reasonable hope of avoiding STD infection, condoms must be used 100 percent of the time, and used correctly, during all years an unmarried individual is sexually active. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over six million 20 to 24-year-old individuals become infected with an STD annually. Jeff Stiasny, first year criminology major, points out knowing how many students are aware of the statistics surrounding STD infection is questionable.
“It’s kind of scary that the numbers are that high. I’m sure most people aren’t aware of just how high they are.”
According to the CDC, most people are unaware that they have an STD because they have no symptoms. This has set the stage for startling increases in STD infection rates. Susan Martin, clinical director of health services, said some students take advantage of STD testing at USM’s Health Services. But it’s difficult to know how many others get tested elsewhere.
“A lot of people don’t think [STD infection] would happen to them so they just don’t get tested,” said Martin.
The American Social Health Association (ASHA) projects that one in four Americans will have contracted an STD in their lifetime. According to the CDC, HIV infection is the sixth leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds in the United States.
Additionally, 90 percent of the population over the age of 12 has Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1), which is responsible for the common cold sore. Yet because oral herpes can be transferred to genitalia (even in the same individual), this also means that 90 percent of the population has the ability to give genital herpes (HSV-2) through oral sex. According to ASHA, one in five Americans currently has genital herpes.
Unfortunately, even if people were made aware of the facts, some believe it would be unlikely that the information would influence the level of sexual activity among college students.
“Everyone has already been indoctrinated with the idea that condoms do provide total protection. It’s just not a big enough factor to convince people to change,” said Becky Kimball, a senior health/fitness major.
This sentiment is not surprising as the college age population is know for its sense of invincibility, and the idea of “safe sex” is one that has been pushed on us from adolescence.
As Martin points out, there are a number of reasons why college students engage in a high level of sexual activity.
“Part of it is growing up and wanting to experience different things. For some people, it’s a sport,” she said.
Martin said that hormones also play a role in sexual activity during college, at least for males whose hormone peak is around nineteen. All things considered, it is understandable why many students might find it impractical to remain sex-free throughout college. Matt Hopkins, a junior English/economics major, views abstinence as a somewhat unlikely option for most college students.
“It is an adequate option but it’s kind of difficult to repress your sexual desire, and I dont think it,s particularly healthy. If you want to abstain from sex, I think that’s fine. It really just comes down to a personal choice and whether you want to take the risk.”
Martin agreed abstinence is the only sure way to avoid infection but also noted that it may not be a realistic goal for many college students.
“I think abstinence is the only 100 percent way of not getting an STD [but] not everyone chooses to remain abstinent until marriage,” she said. Although the research has shown that condoms are not a means to “safe-sex,” in many instances they can lead to “safer sex” and for that reason, condoms will likely remain the most prevalent means of avoiding STD infection among sexually active individuals. For more information on the research reported by the MISH, visit www.medinstitute.org