Mickelle Bisbee – Staff Writer
In 2017, 38,739 people were reportedly diagnosed with HIV, and more than 2.295 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the US, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
“People think of wellness as being physically healthy or mentally healthy, but people forget that sexual health is also a big part of college students’ wellness,” said Addi Lacey, Wellness Center Assistant.
Many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are treatable, but without being tested, it is easy for them to go untreated. Student Health has partnered with many public health departments around the state and UW’s Wellness Ambassadors to help prevent this by offering free STD testing through the CDC’s campaign “Get Yourself Talking, Get Yourself Tested” (GYT). Testing will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in the Wyoming Union Ballroom.
“STD testing is really important because most STDs do not have any symptoms and, if left untreated, they can cause devastating consequences, like infertility from gonorrhea and chlamydia, or even death from HIV,” said Amy Robohm, coordinator of GYT and family practitioner at Student Health. “While prevention through practicing safer sex is ideal, early diagnosis and treatment of STD’s can significantly reduce their impact and reduce their spread.”
GYT’s first event at UW was in 2013 and started just testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Throughout the years, they added HIV to the tests.
From having 94 students tested in 2013 to more than 250 students at last fall’s event in 2018, the turnout for getting tested is increasing. Robohm said that they plan to host this campaign at least twice a year.
Students will be able to collect their own samples for chlamydia and gonorrhea in the privacy of a bathroom, and the HIV test will be done through a finger prick test. No exam will be needed.
“Over half of students who attend this event have never had STD screening before” Robohm said. “Others make GYT a regular part of taking care of their sexual health.”
Not only will the event be offering free STD testing, they will be serving free pizza to everyone who participates.
While this event is available and free to all, Robohm said that the public setting for STD testing may be uncomfortable for some. That is why Student Health offers free or affordable STD and HIV testing every day, with an appointment.
“Getting testing in a large public setting is not for everyone,” Robohm said. “And in fact, if a student is having symptoms or knows they have been exposed to an STD, they would be better served by making an appointment so that they can receive an exam, if needed, and so that they can be treated while we are waiting for test results.”
Robohm also said that if a student is concerned about having been exposed to HIV, they should make an appointment so that they may be tested in a more private setting.
“Please consider getting yourself tested,” said Robohm. “And encourage your friends to take care of their health as well.”
