Not on the Syllabus: STIs on College Campuses 

March 23, 2026

By Brielle Collins

In the midst of exams, situationships, and extracurriculars, the last thing a college student wants to hear back from a doctor is: you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Alongside the possible physical discomfort and somewhat awkward conversation with your physician to discuss the diagnosis, there is the need to have a conversation with your partner. However, what often also comes along with these responsibilities is carrying the stigma of having an STI, and there really should not be, because most people carrying STIs are asymptomatic and will not learn of their status, unless they get tested.  

 

Most people are not intentionally infecting others, and many people are just scared to get tested. Whether it is a curable infection, such as chlamydia and syphilis, or one that might require lifelong care and attention like battlefield HIV and herpes, they all offer a hurdle in our lives. Dealing with STIs can feel challenging and overwhelming, but it is important to know that they are manageable, common, and most importantly preventable. 

 

By the time most of us enter our teens and early twenties, there is a decent chance either you or someone you know has had an STI. According to a report from the ​​Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 2.2 million cases of STIs in the US in 2024, a 12.7% rise since 2014 but a 5.9% decrease since 2020. Although there is a rather large likelihood that people tested positive on multiple occasions, that figure accounts for about 6.5% of the U.S. population.  

 

Despite the overall increase in STI cases, a pair of the more common infections, chlamydia and gonorrhea, saw rate reductions for three years between 2022 and 2024, sitting at 8% and 10%, respectively. By far the most prevalent STI in this country is the Human Papillomavirus, afflicting over 42 million Americans as of 2024, according to the CDC. There are over 36,000 new cases of the infection every year, but thankfully, there are childhood vaccinations that prevent a large number of HPV cancers and other symptoms.  

 

While the number of sexually active Americans is on the decline, about 75% of the adult population is still having sex, especially on college campuses. Men and women aged 20 to 24 had the highest rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in 2023, according to the CDC and their 2023 STI Surveillance.  

 

College campuses are specifically suspected of high STI rates, because this is often an age of exploration and independence. Being away from home, forming new relationships, and navigating sexual autonomy for the first time can create situations where protection and testing are not always prioritized. There has also been a downturn in the usage of condoms amongst college students, largely due to the rising popularity of long-term birth control options and a lack of standard sex education practices across the country.  

 

Nonetheless, completely avoiding STIs altogether is possible. The best way is sexual abstinence, meaning to refrain from all forms of intercourse. However, sexual abstinence is not the answer for everyone. Condoms, both external and internal, are also some of the best forms of protection against STIs and pregnancy.  

 

Proper communication with sexual partners is just as important. Several diseases are not just spread through penetration but can also be spread orally. Building a strong sense of trust through conversation about sexual histories and testing history makes everyone much safer. Having honest conversations about who we have had sexual relations with are not always the easiest.  

 

Finally, getting tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners, is important. The only way to know for sure that you are disease-free is by seeing your test results. Whether it is your school’s health center, primary physician, urgent care center or at-home test, take advantage of the resources available to you. If you have trouble finding a testing site, speak with your advisor(s), a trusted adult and your peers.  

 

The thought of being seen at a testing center or talking to your partner might be uncomfortable, but protecting yourself isn’t just about avoiding discomfort, it’s about protecting your future, partners, and the community you’re building on campus.