Hey Dr Sue — What Are The Chances Of Getting A STD/STI While In College?

Your chances of getting an STI in college really depend on what it is you’re doing in college. Or maybe I should say who you’re doing.

If you are engaging in casual sex, then your risk of getting an STI is going to go up. If you’re in a monogamous relationship, then the chances are pretty low for getting an STI. If you’re not engaging in any type of partnered sex play, then your chances are pretty much non-existent.

We do see higher rates of STIs among the college aged population. But note that I said college aged, and not in college. College age is traditionally 18–24. If you’re in that age range and not in college, you’re still at risk for an STI if you’re engaging in high risk behavior.

Traditionally college students were known for getting drunk and hooking up. The idea was that they had freedom and the chance to explore. But if you’re any age and doing the same things, then you’re at risk.

And this is where it gets interesting. Because a lot of what we see now in college students is the opposite of what people expect. This generation of college age students is waiting longer before they have their first sexual experience. And they’re not hooking up as much as previous generations. If you want to read more about this, you may find this article…