By Jess Carey
College students have sex. People have sex. With sex comes sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In 2021, the CDC estimated that on any given day, 1 in 5 people in the U.S. have an STI, and that 85% of sexually people will get HPV at some point in their lifetime. Despite their prevalence, there is often a stigma that STIs are embarrassing, or dirty, creating shame and confusion. This shame often spirals into spreading misinformation, or pressure to be dishonest with partners. But the truth is, honesty and education are the solution, and pave the way to a healthier life.
Peer Health Education (PHE) is a student-led organization at Cal Poly Humboldt, funded by the Student Health Center (SHC), that aims to reduce barriers to health education. It is the place to get free condoms and get answers in a supportive and safe environment. Student employees are trained in topics of mental health, sexual health, body wellness, and their intersections. During their office hours, anyone can stop by to ask health-related questions and obtain safe sex and harm reduction supplies.
Sydney Isaac, a psychology major and mental health educator at PHE, commented on the culture of Peer Health.
“It’s a very non-judgemental space,” Isaac said. “No question is dumb, no question is weird. Nothing is weird! We want to meet people where they are at.”
Isaac also talked about the stigma around STIs and sexual health in general.
“Shame is a big barrier [to education],” Isaac said. “If you come from the world of abstinence culture, once you get to college, it’s scary, and people will obviously be having sex.”
Isaac stressed the importance of education for reducing stigma and creating bodily autonomy.
“Sexual health comes from a place of comfortability with yourself and your partner,” Issac said.
STI testing and other reproductive care services are available at the SHC and other medical facilities in the area such as Planned Parenthood.
“At the SHC and Planned Parenthood, you can sign a thing to say you want to bring a friend, and you can hold hands if there’s any treatment or anything and you want some support.” Isaac said. “You can also request a female or male provider.”
To make an appointment for STI testing, you can call or stop by the student health building. STI testing is as simple as swabbing yourself, putting it in a cup, and moving on with your day. LJ Ferris is a studio art major and the sexual health educator at PHE. He recommends that sexually active people get tested regularly, and especially if you have a new partner or if someone you are seeing has a new partner. It is important to get tested even if there are no symptoms, or if you were told by partners that they did not have an STI. The truth is, you never really know, and getting tested and taking your sexual health seriously can only benefit you.
“Getting tested [for STIs] is harm reduction for yourself and for others,” Ferris said. “It is really necessary to take these steps now and getting in the habit can lead to better knowledge overall with STIs.”
Jess Carey is a senior at Cal Poly Humboldt, majoring in biology and double minoring in botany and journalism, and the science editor for The Lumberjack. They are passionate about telling stories that are relevant to the community, branching their interests in science, music, and the arts.
