Free Screenings Available for National STD Month

The month of April is National STD Month. Brady Health Clinic on campus is offering $15 STD screenings for students between April 21 and April 30. The STD screenings offer tests for gonorrhea, chlamydia and HIV at a reduced cost. The usual $15 visit fee for Brady Health will be waived.

Although sometimes viewed as taboo, discussions about sexually transmitted diseases are important for students, especially at a university. Many sexually active students do not realize the risks of STDs. Also, most college students fall into the age group most susceptible to STD infections.

As a campus, Frostburg State University (FSU) takes pride in the the health and well-being of students. This event will help students to take the necessary precaution when being sexually active.

According to Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice website, the annual increase of new infections can be explained by the lack of sex education, insufficient access to safer sex materials, inability to pay for testing and treatment, discomfort with reproductive health facilities and services, and concerns regarding confidentiality.

Because FSU is offering STD screenings at a reduced price, students have the opportunity to be tested for a precaution. STDs affect individuals of all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders and ages.

One of the most common STDs among the ages of 15 to 24 is chlamydia. Since the year 2011, the chlamydia infection rate increased by 10.5 percent in women and 12.4 percent in men. Although curable, if untreated, chlamydia can cause permanent damage to women’s reproductive system.

Gonorrhea is also another prevalent STD in the college age students. Since the year 2011, gonorrhea infection increased 5.4 percent in women and 6.2 percent in men. HIV, which is incurable, is also a growing epidemic.

Some STDs do not cause noticeable symptoms so students might not get treated because they believe they are healthy. Both chlamydia and gonorrhea often have no symptoms and are easily treated. HIV has few or no symptoms for up to 10 years and will eventually cause AIDS. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS but treatment is available.

The Brady Health Clinic is committed to providing quality health care for students. Any information regarding services and appointments is kept strictly confidential.

Medical information stored by Brady is not available to family, friends or administration without the students written authorization. This is a great opportunity for students who are sexually active to get screened.  It is important for college students to get tested routinely, especially if they are being involved in unprotected sex. Events like this are not meant to frighten students, but to take the necessary precautions for the safety of their body.

This reduced cost screenings will be until Wednesday, April 30.

For more information or questions regarding the STD screenings, contact Brady Health Center at 301-687-4310. Their operation hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Friday at 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.