Private MD News

Students may face high STD risk during spring break

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Many college students engage in sexual activity during spring break, which will take place over the course of the next few weeks for most schools. However, this practice puts them at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Experts are warning students who have sex with a new partner during this time to consider seeking an STD tests.

"We don't tell students the activities they engage in during spring break are right or wrong," Emily Haas, a general wellness education coordinator at Purdue University told the Exponent. "Instead, we're trying to reduce the negative outcomes of risky behaviors that may occur during spring break."

Alcohol may be one reason why college students are so likely to engage in risky sexual behavior during spring break. Dr. Phillip Brewer, the medical director of the Student Health Services department at Quinnipiac University, told the school's paper the Chronicle, that excessive drinking can impair a young person's ability to make healthy decisions when it comes to sexual behavior.

In order to avoid coming back from spring break with a sexually transmitted disease, students should develop strategies for practicing safe sex. If they do end up having sex with a new partner they should consider getting an STD test.