You may have many questions about your sexual health and that's OK!If you're looking for education, ranging from abstinence or contraceptive options to sexually transmitted infections, Health Service is here to answer all of your questions. The Peer Assistants are another resource for information and education.
Contraception
Condoms are available free of charge in the Health Service office. Select oral contraceptives, Depo Provera and Nuva Ring are also available for a fee. Please call Health Service to schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner to discuss contraceptive options. Emergency contraception (Plan B) can be obtained during normal business hours.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Chlamydia
Chlamydia trachomatis is a major infectious cause of human eye and genital disease. Not all infected people exhibit symptoms of infection. About half of all men and three-quarters of all women who have Chlamydia have no symptoms and do not know that they are infected. It can be serious but is easily cured with antibiotics if detected in time.
Genital Herpes
The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a virus that manifests itself in two common viral infections, each marked by painful, watery blisters in the skin or mucous membranes (such as the mouth or lips) or on the genitals. The disease is contagious, particularly during an outbreak, and is incurable with present technology.
Genital HPV
Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 200 different strains or types. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own.
Ninety-nine percent of cervical cancer cases in the United States are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Gardasil is a vaccine developed which prevents four strains (types) of HPV. Gardasil is only recommended for women ages 9 - 26.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is among the most common sexually-transmitted diseases in the world. Gonorrhea increases the risk of passing on or becoming infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS). This is likely due to weakening of the mucosal surface secondary to the gonorrhea infection. Gonorrhoea might also increase the amount of HIV present in semen and other genital secretions. Gonorrhoea is curable with treatment.
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a retrovirus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail.
World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on December 1, 1981, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in recorded history. If untreated, eventually most HIV-infected individuals develop AIDS and die; however about one in ten remain healthy for many years, with no noticeable symptoms. Treatment with anti-retrovirals, where available, increases the life expectancy of people infected with HIV.
Syphilis
The route of transmission of syphilis is almost invariably by sexual contact; however, there are examples of direct contact infections. The signs and symptoms of syphilis are countless. Syphilis can be treated with penicillin or other antibiotics.
Trichomonas
Sometimes referred to as "trich" or the ping pong disease, is a common sexually transmitted disease that affects 2 to 3 million Americans yearly. Trichomoniasis is primarily an infection of the genitourinary tract; the urethra is the most common site of infection in men, and the vagina is the most common site of infection in women.
Sexual Assault
If you have been sexually assaulted, Health Service recommends that you contact Crime Victim Services Inc at 507.934.2222 or 800.630.1425. A local Sexual Assault Advocate will guide you through dealing with the assault.
- After Silence - Information/referrals, online chat service for survivors-1-800-656-HOPE
- Immanuel St. Josephs Hospital - Crisis management, support, exam and evaluation - (507) 345-2983
- Safe Horizon - Sexual assault issues.
- RAINN - Rape Abuse and Incest National Network
Other Sexual Health Issues
Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms include discomfort or pain at the urethral meatus or a burning sensation throughout the urethra, frequent urination, bloody urine, cloudy and foul-smelling urine.
Vaginitis
If you are experiencing symptoms that include severe itching, burning, soreness, irritation of the vagina and/or vulva, along with an abnormal discharge that may be accompanied by an odor, please schedule an appointment with a nurse practitioner for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Other Resources
