How Did You Do?
1. True. The most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. are HIV, which causes AIDS, HPV (human papilloma virus), and gonorrhea.
2. False. Not all STIs are curable. HIV, hepatitis B, genital herpes, and HPV infections may be managed, depending on the severity of infection and frequency of exposure.
3. False. The most common STIs among college students today are Chlamydia, HPV, and herpes.
4. True. The bodily fluids that can transmit HIV are blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Sweat and saliva do not carry the virus. However, they can be contaminated with blood or other fluids that will.
5. False. Two STIs are often asymptomatic: Chlamydia and HPV
6. True. Latex condoms, when used properly (from the beginning to the end of the sexual encounter, and used with all partners), are 98% effective. While they provide an effective barrier for body fluids, reducing unplanned pregnancy and STIs, they are not foolproof!
7. False. If you miss taking a birth control pill two days in a row, you can reduce the chances of an unplanned pregnancy by taking 2 pills, 2 days in a row. You must, however, practice a backup birth control method for at least a week afterwards the missed dosage.
8. False. All women should do breast self-exams every month in the week after their period ends. And men should perform them, too. Yes – men, although much more rarely – can contract breast cancer. What they should do, at any age, is to perform a testicular self-exam every month. Think Lance Armstrong, and live strong.
9. False. Relationship violence is not just between spouses or individuals in steady, domestic situations and it’s not always perpetrated by males. A 2008 study conducted at three urban colleges revealed that 44.7% of students experienced partner or non-partner violence and that while women reported more victimization than men, male victimization “was considerable (27.2%).”
10. True. Homosexuality is not always easy to identify. Stereotyping based on ignorance and fear often fuels discrimination and even violence, the hallmarks of homophobia.