To condom or not to condom? That’s the question many college students ask right before they shizz up. Whether it’s a spontaneous kiss or a long-anticipated hookup, sex can be magical — until the consequences aren’t.
No One Mourns the Condom
According to the American College Health Association (ACHA) in spring 2024, approximately 62.3% of college students are sexually active. Meanwhile, the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center estimates there were about 18.6 million students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at the time. That puts the number of sexually active students somewhere around 11.5 million.
That’s a lot of people, and a lot of potential for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to make a surprise entrance.
Something Bad: The STI Stats
While shizzing up may be a blast, getting an STI? Not so much. According to ACHA, about 4% of college students reported being diagnosed with a bacterial STI (like chlamydia or gonorrhea) in the past 12 months. Also, approximately 4% reported a chronic viral STI (like herpes, HPV, or HIV) — infections that don’t go away.
That translates to about 460,000 students nationally living with a bacterial STI and another 460,000 living with a viral one. Zoom in on Florida Atlantic, and with over 31,000 students enrolled, that means a potential of over 1,200 students could be living with a bacterial STI, and another 1,200 with a viral one.
Not exactly shizztastic.
What Is This Feeling? (It’s Risk)
Most STIs are passed through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. And many don’t cause symptoms, meaning someone can pass an infection on without ever knowing they had one.
According to ACHA, only 38.6 % of college students who were sexually active in the past 30 days reported using a condom or other barrier “most of the time or always” during vaginal intercourse. The figure dips dramatically for anal sex, where barely 1.9 % reported consistent barrier use. And when it comes to oral sex, protection is nearly invisible — only around 0.5 % reported using a barrier consistently.
So, what can you do to avoid being the next act in the STI spotlight?
Popular Protection Options
Let’s break down your starring roles in the safer-sex lineup.
External Condoms
These are the most common condoms—the ones that roll down over a penis or sex toy. They protect against both STIs and pregnancy when used correctly, and with lube that won’t ruin them.
Internal Condoms
These are worn inside the body. They give you more control if your partner doesn’t want to wear an external condom. Bonus: you can insert them hours before sex, like pre-gaming the safety.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)
PrEP is your backstage pass to peace of mind. When taken daily (or as an injection every two months), PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99%, according to the CDC. It doesn’t protect against other STIs — but paired with condoms, it’s practically spellproof.
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis)
Had an oops moment? PEP is your emergency exit. It’s a 28-day course of HIV meds you start within 72 hours of a potential exposure — the sooner, the better.
Vaccines
The HPV vaccine protects against the strains most likely to cause genital warts and cervical, anal, and throat cancers. The hepatitis B vaccine is also recommended for sexually active adults. If you missed these as a teen, it’s not too late to ask your provider.
Thank Goodness: Where to Get Help
FAU Student Health Services offers:
- Free condoms and lube
- Free or low-cost STI testing
- PrEP consultations and prescriptions
- Same-day PEP access (call ahead if possible)
The STI Clinic Search lets you find free or low-cost clinics for STI testing, PrEP, and PEP across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Whether you want a queer-affirming provider, weekend hours, or a walk-in clinic, PRISM’s tool makes it easy.
For Good: The Takeaway
Sex should be exciting, empowering, and consensual — not a source of fear. Whether you’re a first-year student figuring it out or a senior ready to defy grav-idity, there are tools and support systems to help you stay healthy.
So next time you’re about to shizz up, ask yourself: Am I being wickedly smart? Condoms, PrEP, PEP, testing, and vaccines don’t ruin the moment; they let you own it.
Because pleasure is more fun when you’re protected, and no one mourns a wickedly smart decision.
Learn more about Student Health Services (FAU Students Only) https://www.fau.edu/shs/.
Learn more about PRISM’s STI Clinic Search https://www.prismfl.org/std-clinics.
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