Living in a sexualized
society as a college student, I think it’s critical to know our every little
move, every word we speak, and everyone who is around us. When I have spoken to
a lot of anonymous college students, one of the issues that they had always
faced was getting an STD due to having unprotected sex. As I sat down talking about it with other
students, I told them that sometimes, it’s not always “your” fault.
There are over 65 million Americans
who have an STD. Statistics show that one in six people have it and also not
even know about it. My deal with this issue is, how can we comfort them? How
can we crack down on issues such as these?
It’s tough if you
live with an STD, especially if there isn’t a cure. People will go through
questions such as
How will I tell my partner, parents,
and friends?
What will my friends think?
Is it treatable, and how much will
it have to cost anything if it is?
Another question that
people ask themselves is, will these symptoms be a cause of death?
Speaking for the college students I
have talked to, it’s never easy to talk to someone about having an STD. Many
people actually avoid it at all cost, go out and have sex, and THEN tell their
partner “Oh I have an STD”. Where does that leave the person who didn’t have
one before the session? Scared. Ashamed. Lied to. Betrayed. Slut. All of those
words are now written on their faces.
It goes back to schools that fail to
teach the young adults about the true facts of sex education. Yes, we teach
about puberty in elementary school. We also teach about STD, AIDS, and HIV in
Middle and High School. But it’s the action in between that we fail to teach.
For example, the psychological and physicality of a person. The dangers of
rape, and the sexualized society of the real world. That’s where it fails. And
with the many struggles teenagers and young adults go through, it’s very
important to have conversations like those.
Many of the students who I’ve spoken
to are afraid to come out of their shell. It’s never easy, and the worst case
of it all, is that now they are dealing with rumors and words that are cutting deep
within them, in which they have to face. Those words and wounds will never heal
until an action is to be taken place. We have to be aware of people living with
an STD for the rest of their lives. Too many of us are quick to play the name
game in judging others, that we’re also cutting their wounds deeper. We already
know what bullying can do, but we also need to know what sexual bullying can
do. If you know anyone that’s dealing with having an STD, let them know that
they’re still apart of a beautiful world. Sometimes, they’re afraid to speak it
up, so we should always be there for them in the hard times they are facing.
My Tips:
Before having sex,
ask that person their background, or tell them that you’ve had unprotected sex
with someone before YOU KNEW you were positive. Its not easy, but better safe
than sorry. If they do react, understand that it’s out of your control. Don’t
be surprised if you get rejected, but hope that whoever your partner is, you
can work things out.
Being Rejected:
That’s the biggest reason why victims never want to tell their families and
friends. ALWAYS find someone you know who cares about you, to help you out.
Never cheat your way out of love and support. Because, the more you run away
from love and support, the more you would want it. People will always see you
when you’re at your weakest, so it will always be best to open up when they are
there to help
Know that you’ll
never lose your job because you have AIDS, HIV, or an STD, however, LET YOUR
SUPERVISOR KNOW. It is much easier for you to let him/her know, so that you can
make doctor’s appointments and fulfill other health issues. Supervisors, keep
it 100% confidential.
Always take care of
yourself. Know what the STD is and how it’s treatable. Know the symptoms. Even
if you don’t show any signs, always research everything and how you can/can’t transmit it to another partner.
USE PROTECTION,
REGARDLESS!! Always use protection. Even if you know you aren’t showing any signs
or symptoms, you need to better protect yourself. Especially if it’s with
someone you don’t know their history with. They may not tell you that they have
an STD, but it’s great to be smart first.
Consult Third Party
Options. If you know you’re facing a difficult situation, please contact a
support group. If there isn’t any support groups, start one with other people
who are living with the same problems. Please contact
Last but not least,
enjoy life. Now that you have found out if you’re positive, don’t think that
your sex life is over. Yes, you will deal with the fact that you have an STD,
but the good thing about is now that you are positive, you’re beginning to find
purpose. You feel happier because you have more freedom and less pressure of
anxiety. Always think POSITIVE thoughts and NEVER worry about what others say.
If you’re comfortable about life and happy that your whole world isn’t
shattered, you’re moving in the right direction.
If someone is suffering, be there for them.
Never joke about STD. If so, you’ll never know if you will become the next
victim.
Ronald Atkinson
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