Sex report card

By: Rachel Abrahms

Posted: 11/5/08

Some students might argue sex and the use of contraceptives is too taboo of a subject to be discussed openly.

However, safe sex and the use of contraceptives is a real issue facing most college campuses.

Trojan condom brand released their "2008 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card," which ranks the sexual health resources at American colleges and universities.

Stanford, Columbia and Cornell universities were among the top three most sexually healthy schools, but UW-Whitewater was not included.

Marilyn Kile, the wellness and sexual assault coordinator from University Health and Counseling Services, believes there is no real way of knowing where colleges and universities rank on the list because not every student is willing to discuss sexual health issues.

"For many health behaviors, we find there are more similarities between students in the particular age ranges than differences," Kile said.

Junior Erica Tomaszewski agrees it's unrealistic to rank colleges and universities.

Despite the discomfiture that may come with the topic of sex, it is important for students to realize serious consequences can occur without the use of contraceptives.

According to the National Institute of Health, "two-thirds of all people infected with an STD are under 25-years-old."

This is an overwhelming realization for many college students, and Kile said it's a good reminder for students to take precaution.

"Condoms are extremely important, but so is limiting the number of partners you have," Kile said. "I would also like for students to realize that not all UW-Whitewater students are having sex. It is perfectly normal and okay to choose not to be sexually active."

UHCS provide many resources regarding safe sex and the use of contraceptives.

Contraceptives such as condoms, birth control pills, emergency contraception pills, Depo Provera injections, and the contraceptive path Ortho Evra are all available at the Ambrose Health Center.

UHCS staff are available on campus to give support to students who need it.

"All of our staff at the UHCS is specialized in the health needs of college students," Kile said. "We are extremely comfortable talking about all aspects of health, including sexual health. We try to make it as comfortable as possible when students need support."

UW-Whitewater also participates in the Family Planning Waiver Program, which provides students with contraceptives and related health care services.

While distinguishing where UW-Whitewater would fit on the "2008 Trojan Sexual Health Report Card" seems challenging for many, it is a valuable reminder to students of the importance of taking responsibility for themselves and each other.