g, disfiguring and deadly.
Crabs is one of the more common STIs; even 2,000-year-old Chilean mummies show evidence of having had pubic lice in their lifetimes. Public lice aren’t spread through shared toilet seats — but through shared genitals, clothing and bedding. The six-legged lice can even nest in armpit or eyebrow hair. Feeling itchy?
Trichomoniasis, an infection caused by parasitic protozoa, was first identified as a STI in 1836 and was soon after treated with arsenic. Now, the trich and its symptoms (frothy, colorful or odorous vaginal discharge; pain during sex or urination; or itching and irritation) can be cured with oral antibiotics.
Don’t take your smush lessons from Jersey Shore. Tricky trich is always looking for victims, and having sex in a chlorinated pool or hot tub won’t kill STI-causing agents. Cuarto hot-tub much?
In 1981, Michael S. Gottlieb, an assistant professor at UCLA, published his discovery of AIDS. Soon after, the syndrome began to be inaccurately referred to as GRID — Gay Related Immune Disease.
We now know that HIV infects peoples of all sexualities and it is not spread through casual contact, but through fluid exchange: blood, semen, vaginal fluid or breast milk. UC Davis Health Education Program offers information as well as free HIV antibody tests; the next one is on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the LGBT Resource Center.
Consistent barrier use reduces the risk of certain infections. Pick up free condoms and dental dams, as well as an informative presentation on how to use them, from the Student Health and Wellness Center. The presenters wear white lab coats and solemn expressions, while placing condoms on wooden penises — it is quite fun and you can try it out yourself. You may even receive a “condom savvy” button if your skills are impressive enough.
STD testing also helps prevent the spread of unwanted infections. Remember, the most common symptom of STDs is exhibiting no symptoms at all. In order to keep yourself and your partner(s) safe, get tested regularly. Students can visit the Health-e-Messaging website to request a test online, or schedule an appointment at the Student Health Center (530) 752-2349.
Modern STI treatments are more effective and a lot less painful than those of the past.
It’s important to keep your body safe, and you can do so by being educated, tested or treated. UC Davis strives to make sex safe, so take advantage of on-campus resources.
KATELYN RINGROSE, at firstname.lastname@example.org, would love to know if you wear a button as well — is she the only one who claimed this fashionable prize?