By Julius Calasicas
The rates of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) are on the rise nationwide - more than 1,000,000 infections of chlamydia were reported in 2006, meaning 347.8 people out of every 100,000 were infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A total of 976,000 chlamydia infections were reported in 2005.
Figures from the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) show that one in four Americans will contract an STD in their lifetime; 15- to 24-year-olds are the most susceptible.
According to Timothy Crump, a nurse practitioner in the UP Health Center, there have been no reported cases of HIV, gonorrhea or syphilis in his 10 years at UP.
"This shouldn't lead to a false sense of security, however," Crump said. "Each year there are two to four cases of chlamydia and four to six cases of scabies (microscopic mites)."
Crump tests only male students and has not noticed an increase of STD infections. According to Crump, genital warts are the most common STD on campus with eight to 10 male cases annually.
Because many students do not use the Health Center's services and choose to get tested off campus, the real numbers of STD infections among students are unknown.
"I wouldn't be surprised if we see only one-third of what's out there," Crump said.
The state's STD program aims to prevent and control the number of people infected by identifying and treating STDs faster. The Oregon STD program plans to focus on education and outreach as a means to reduce the spread of STDs. A state grant allows free chlamydia testing for women, who are at risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). The UP Health Center is able to provide such tests to students.
"We do STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection) testing in a confidential and non-judgmental manner," Crump said. "People think that because we are a Catholic health center, we can't bring any (STD) concerns forward, when in fact we are here to treat infections."
Crump also emphasized the Health Center's confidentiality.
"We don't share information with parents or University officials if we identify STIs," he said.
Janine Lenartz, another nurse practitioner in the Health Center, was not able to provide information on female cases of STDs at UP.
According to Crump, the Health Center is not able to dispense condoms or prescribe other forms of birth control to students.
"But we never withhold information," Crump said. "In keeping with the Catholic nature of the University, we always encourage and promote abstinence. We always want the best health information available for people who choose not to follow that advice."
DHS encourages people who choose to engage in sexual behavior to use latex condoms every time they have sex. But condoms cannot prevent certain STDs such as genital warts and herpes from spreading.
Free chlamydia testing is provided for women at the Health Center due to a grant from the state health division. Men can pay $7 for the same test.
The Health Center can also provide HIV testing (blood sample) for $12.
