Resources on campus, like the Mary Walker Health Center and the Lifestyles Center, actively promote safe sex options to students and provide the resources students need. Despite these efforts, it is estimated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that people ages 15 to 24 make up just over a quarter of the sexually active population and account for half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted infections that occur each year.

There is no excuse for students with ample resources who are attending an institution of higher learning to contribute to these numbers. Part of being sexually active is the choice to be responsible and safe for the health of both your partner and yourself. We live in an age where there are a variety of options for birth control.

What many seem to be forgetting is that birth control does not prevent STIs. While it is a great tool to prevent unwanted pregnancies, it is important to always use a condom to prevent the spread of infections.

A report from the CDC found a spike in STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, especially among young people. Why? Because younger generations are not wearing condoms. A 2015 study conducted by Skyn found that 48 percent of millennials use condoms “never” or “rarely.” There are numerous options on campus and in any town to purchase condoms and have them on hand. The Lifestyles Center often hands them out when it does programs and trivia, or you can pick them up at the Mary Walker Health Center.  Resident assistants hold sex education programs where they hand them out, and there are even condoms in many of the vending machines in residence halls.

What is most concerning is that people are not concerned with wearing condoms because “it does not feel as good” or because they are desensitized to STIs, thinking that many can just be treated and “go away.”

While it is true there are certain STIs that can be treated, the number that can be is dwindling. The CDC is posting information on a form of drug-resistant gonorrhea. Sexual health is not something that should be treated lightly. If you choose to be sexually active, you need to be comfortable having an open dialogue with your partner(s) about your sexual history and what combination of precautions you plan to take. If you cannot have that conversation, then perhaps you should not be having sex at all.