Spring Break Sex: Be Careful Out There!

Today’s Question:

If I have sex on my Spring Break, how can I lower my risk of getting an STI?  (I have a friend who got an STI in Panama City last year.)  …Worried Traveler.

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Dr. Laros:  Thinking ahead… that’s good, “Worried.”  Every year in Student Health we see an increase in men and women with Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) concerns and other health issues in the weeks following spring break.

Dr. Evans:  Yes; planning ahead and being prepared are actually two things you can do to lower your risk of getting an STI on spring break or any other time as well!  Here is a list of things to consider to stay safe and lower your risk:

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• Avoid excessive alcohol

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• Plan ahead; make decisions beforehand and not in the heat of the moment

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• Watch your drinks; avoid date rape drugs.  If you do drink, don’t leave your drink unattended

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• Stay in groups; make a pact with friends to watch out for each other:  Go out with your friends, come home with your friends

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• Don’t leave a party or bar alone or with someone you just met

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• Use condoms every time you have sex; condoms provide protection against many STIs but even if used correctly, don’t provide 100% protection against genital warts and herpes…think before you hook up

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• Remember contraception; birth control pills don’t work if you don’t take them

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• Remember emergency contraception (brand name:  Plan B) is available over the counter at any pharmacy or drugstore

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•  Plan B may also be free to you if you get a prescription; Call Student Health Nurseline (319-335-9704) for a prescription, you don’t need an appointment

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Dr. Laros:  And, at risk of sounding like you mother, remember to use sunscreen and wear your seatbelt if you’re in a car.

Dr. Evans:  So get packing:  sunscreen, condoms, pills, cell phone, ID, camera.  And, have a chat with your travel partners/friends ahead of time to set some of the above ground rules.  Be safe and have fun. 

Today’s Statistic:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey –there is an average of 207,754 victims (age 12 or older) of rape and sexual assault each year.  That means that about every 2 minutes, a sexual assault occurs in the United States.

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Today’s Info Links:

“Fight Back on Spring Break”

http://www.safespringbreak.org/

CNN Spring Break Safety video; CNN/Paula Zahn:

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Centers for Disease Control  Spring Break Health and Safety Tips:

http://www.cdc.gov/family/springbreak/

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Got a sex question?  Send your question(s) to:

http://studenthealth.uiowa.edu/health-answers/ask-your-question