In our era of promiscuity and perceived invincibility, condom use among millennials is nearing a dramatic low. Earning the name “the pull-out generation,” New York Magazine reported that approximately 40 percent of sexually active men and women are taking the risk and ignoring condom use altogether. According to Huffingtonpost.com, only 40 percent of gay men report regular condom use. Though the pull-out/withdrawal method can be used to prevent pregnancy (to an extent—it is 96% effective when done correctly, according to Planned Parenthood) what many individuals are forgetting is that this method does absolutely nothing to prevent against the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.
The mindset of many young people seems to be, “They’re clean, I’m clean, so it’s not like we’re going to give anything to each other!” The situation may seem ideal—but how many individuals are actually being routinely tested for STIs? Many STIs take three to six months before showing symptoms, whereas others, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) rarely show symptoms and are impossible to detect in men, according to STD411.org. Just because someone says they’re clean doesn’t exactly mean that they’re always right.
So, why is it that so many of us are willing to pounce on the opportunity to have a one night stand? Sure, it is in our genes to want to act on our carnal desires—but we are no longer cave men. We no longer have to wonder what effects our actions can take on our bodies. Rather, we are evolved enough to make an educated decision and to make a choice that will protect ourselves.
I am no different than my generation. I have taken part in my share of one night stands and I am lucky enough to say I have not suffered any serious consequences—but others have not been so fortunate.
Michael Johnson, a 22-year-old former Lindenwood University student in St. Charles, Miss., is facing charges of knowingly infecting at least 32 unsuspecting individuals with HIV, according to The New York Daily News.
In the United States, it is a federal crime to refrain from informing your sexual partner if you are infected with HIV. This investigation came about when one of Johnson’s partners told the police he believed he contracted HIV from Johnson.
Johnson met a majority of his sexual partners online, through the utilization of his six various social media accounts, according to Buzzfeed.com. Police investigated Johnson’s computer, which also contained hidden-camera videos capturing his suspected transmission of HIV to his partners. It is believed that Johnson’s partners were unaware of their being filmed. The discovery of these videos has increased the intensity of the police’s investigation tenfold.
It is in this case that many have been proven to not be as invincible as they may have once believed. These individuals made the decision to have unprotected sex, knowledgeable of its risks and have instead found themselves in a situation in which few believe can happen to them. Now, 32 people are faced with having an incurable STI.
“I absolutely think there are high risks of contracting an STI from an unprotected one night stand,” said Maria White, junior and government and world affairs major. “Especially after seeing the I’m Shmacked video, I see the guys and girls at UT as much more grimey than ever before. You don’t know where the other person has been, or who they have been with. It can get to be pretty scary.”
Nobody ever believes that they are going to be the person infected with an STI. Many students think, “I can’t get one—I’m not a slut! I’ve only had one or two one night stands. Those are only for people who get around.” However, nobody ever wakes up with the intention of contracting a disease. Whether you think you deserve it or not, the risk of contracting an STI is the same every time.
This is why there should be an end to the all-too-common one night stand. The risks associated with sex with a stranger are much greater than being caught by someone you know during your walk of shame. They’re far worse than wondering what your partner might say about you to his or her friends.
Having an STI can make future sexual encounters far less exciting, because let’s face it, there is nothing sexy about telling someone you’re going to give them a disease. In addition, if untreated, many STIs can have serious long-term effects including sterility, organ complications and even cancers.
“It’s important to use a condom every single time. No exceptions,” said Cailean Bakely, junior public health major. “Most STIs don’t show symptoms so it is important to protect yourself, especially in the case of one night stands.”
This is why students need to educate ourselves on who we’re choosing to get into bed with and put our physical health ahead of our physical desires. Do some background research, know how many people your partner has been with and always, always, always use a condom.
Luckily, many sexually transmitted infections are curable with a rigorous course of antibiotics, although they do come with a risk of sores, painful itching and many other symptoms. However, it’s safer to take the necessary precautions and not have to worry about hoping for the best.
Think twice before choosing to go to bed with someone. If anything, you can feel assured you have done your best to protect yourself and your body. Don’t let one mistake follow you for the rest of your life.
Terrence Preston can be reached at terrence.preston@spartans.ut.edu