Sexually Transmitted Diseases - STDs

You have all heard rumors about sexually transmitted diseases at Southern Miss. We frequently gets questions about the numbers of STDs on campus.

The Facts

The truth is we do not know the actual incidence (number of new cases diagnosed) or the prevalence rate (number of students currently infected) of any sexually transmitted disease among students at Southern Miss. We do know that students at Southern Miss like college students across the country participate in sexual behavior which puts them at risk for infection. We estimate that Southern Miss has the same prevalence of STDs as other college/universities nationwide. Nationally, we know that by age 24, at least one out of every four Americans is infected with an STD and people under the age of 25 account for approximately two-thirds of all new STD infections. Based upon national data, the most common STDs among college-age students are HPV, Herpes Simplex Virus and Chlamydia.

The Bottom Line

Not everyone at Southern Miss has an STD. But anyone can have an STD and you cannot tell just by looking at them. Abstaining from intimate sexual contact and sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, and oral) is the only way to be completely protected from an STD infection. If you have sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral), use a latex condom (male or female) every time and be tested annually for an STD by a healthcare provider. Testing is available at Student Health Service for a fee.

Use the following links to learn more.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Bacterial Vaginosis
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Gonorrhea
Hepatitis
HIV/AIDS
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Genital warts
Syphilis
Trichomoniasis
Yeast infections

This information is brought to you by Southern Miss Student Health Services. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of advice from a physician or other health care provider. If you have questions concerning any health issue, the staff at Student Health Services is here to serve you. Drop by to see us or call 266-5390 to make an appointment at your convenience.

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