Chlamydia is a rampant STI among college-aged students

Demond Lewis
MC Contributor/Staff

HIV is a disease many people tend to focus on when it comes to STDs and STIs. However, there are other infections and diseases on college campuses that are just as harmful. Dr. Samuel Jones Jr., a practicing physician at the Health Center at Jackson State University, described these infections.

“The most common STI probably among college aged students is chlamydia. The reason why it is getting to be so common is because most persons don’t have symptoms. Males typically don’t have symptoms. Women who get it, maybe weeks after, will develop symptoms. The symptoms may go away, but the infection continues to do damage to the internal organs of the lady,” said Jones.

According to the Department of Health, the symptoms of chlamydia include a thick, cloudy discharge from the penis or vagina, painful bowel movements, and a burning sensation when urinating.

Jones added, “There are other STDs that are perhaps, to some degree, more serious long-term. HIV, but luckily it’s not common. But again, the risk is there, and there are a number of persons that manage to get exposed and become infected; and that requires a great deal of care.”

Students who feel that they are at risk of being infected can visit the Health Clinic on the JSU campus.

“We do have in conjunction with the health department a grant, and they allow us to do free chlamydia and gonorrhea testing on urine. Although it’s not quite as superior as the direct swab, it still is very adequate for a massive screening. We have it, and it’s free. On this campus, that has been very helpful in helping us to detect infections that we otherwise would not have been likely to detect,” said Jones.

Aleia Buford, a junior biology/pre-physical therapy major from Greenwood, Miss., says that it is all about being responsible.

“I feel like if you’re going to be sexually active, you should use protection, because you don’t know who everybody has been with. That prevents STDs,” said Buford.

Buford added, “Sometimes, depending on what kind of STD you get, it can be cured. Sometimes it can’t, you’re just stuck with it for life. I feel like everybody should just be aware of the symptoms of different STDs and how it can be transmitted.

Katie Hunt, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Atlanta, Ga., said she felt that it is about being honest with your sex partner.

“To be honest, when you’re dealing with somebody and you know you’re going to be active, that’s definitely a question you should ask. That’s nothing you should be ashamed of. If you have something, you have to let that person know, because it’s not fair to them,” said Hunt.

Hunt added, “If you do get it, it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s yours now, so you have to take care of yourself.”

For more questions about STDs, STIs, or any other illnesses, students can visit the Health Center located across from the Lee E. Williams Athletics and Assembly Center or call 601-979-2260. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.