COLORED TIGHTS AND COWBOY BOOTS: Practice safe sex; don't fool around with STDs

My last column received criticism from an anonymous online poster concerned with the advocacy of sex to Ball State's campus. The disgruntled reader asked that I mention to "play safe." Well, anonymous-commenter-too-bashful-to-post-your-name, this one's for you.

Right now, you, dear reader, are most likely reading this column in a public place. Whether you're holding a hard copy or reading online at Bracken Library, take a look around. See those three people next to you? Statistically, one of them has a sexually transmitted disease. And if they don't? Sorry buddy, but, statistically, you do.

A few weeks ago, the Ball State Counseling Center advertised "Sexual Responsibility Week." While the promotions of "Sex Tac Toe" and "Condom Kiosks" grabbed my attention, what really stood out was one of the bullet points listed on the promotion: One out of every four Ball State students has an STD.

The Ball State Health Center performs many STD tests. However, many students don't take advantage because of shame and embarrassment.
These students need to realize that while an uncomfortable moment with a doctor might be a little embarrassing, having that awkward conversation with your next partner will be much worse. Transmission of an STD to a future partner is rude, whether you knew you had one or not. While ignorance may be bliss for those unaware they have an STD, that bliss turns into a nightmare for the unknowing people inevitably infected.

Whether you are showing symptoms or seem perfectly healthy, if you're getting around, get yourself to the Health Center and get tested for your sake and for the sake of the 75 percent of campus still STD free.

I'm not your mom. I may not even be your friend. Whether you want to engage in risky behavior is your prerogative, and I am not going to judge how crazy you got on Spring Break. What happened last week in Cancun stays in Cancun, except for the photos on Facebook, that tattoo you woke up with and the STD you picked up after too many margaritas.

But when it comes to transmitting diseases that are completely preventable, I am absolutely and harshly judging you. So are the other three out of four Ball State students who are disease free and want to stay that way.

According to the Health Center, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea is most commonly requested. To test for these infections you only need to pee in a cup and pay $20. To be tested for syphilis, an STD that rarely shows symptoms, a $12 blood test is all it takes.

If, unfortunately for you (and that guy or girl you met on last week's cruise), your results do come back positive, all three of these infections are curable with common antibiotics. Hit the pharmacy, take your meds and reevaluate your choices of hookups.

Whether you are in the unlucky 25 percent or the healthy 75 percent, always wear a condom when getting down to business. No exceptions. You can snag up to five free condoms on the second floor of the Health Center every day. Needing more than five a day is no excuse; Walmart has a lovely selection. Also, Sex Addicts Anonymous of Muncie meets every Sunday.

Science has proven again and again that sex does the body good. Relief from stress, improved cardio health and burned calories are only a few of the benefits to getting down and dirty. However, reaping the benefits of sex is never worth the possibility of contracting an STD.

The tests are cheap and the condoms are free. There are no excuses. Sex is not just good, it's good for you. So let's all "play safe," kids.