STIs on Campus: The Silent Epidemic

by Lyndsay Lev, CNM
Certified Nurse Midwife
Boulder Medical Center

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) on Campus: The Silent Epidemic

College is a time for growth, independence, and new experiences—but it’s also a period when STIs are rising. On campuses across the U.S., including the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder), more students are being diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and other STIs every year. According to a CDC report, young adults aged 15–24 account for nearly half of all new STI cases.

Why Are STIs Increasing on College Campuses?

Many college students are sexually active, yet consistent condom use remains low. Factors include:

• Newfound freedom and experimentation
• Misinformation about STI risks
• Limited access to healthcare or testing
• Over-reliance on birth control without STI protection

These issues combine to create a perfect storm for the spread of STIs among young adults.

Protecting Your Sexual Health in College

Knowledge is power. Taking proactive steps can help protect both you and your partner:

• Get tested regularly: Many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you may not know you’re infected. Routine testing ensures early detection and treatment.
• Use condoms consistently: Condoms protect against far more than pregnancy—they’re one of the most effective barriers against HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and other STIs.
• Talk openly with partners: Honest conversations about STI status and testing may feel uncomfortable, but they are essential for safety and trust.
• Access campus or community healthcare: Many colleges offer confidential and affordable STI testing and treatment. Boulder Medical Center OB-GYN providers provide STI testing and treatment year-round.

Breaking the Stigma Around Sexual Health

Taking care of your sexual health is not shameful—it’s a sign of maturity, self-respect, and respect for your partner. By:

• Staying informed
• Practicing safe sex
• Normalizing regular STI testing

…students help create a healthier and safer campus community.

Let’s break the stigma surrounding sexual health. Taking care of your sexual health is a sign of maturity and self-respect, not something to be ashamed of. By staying informed, communicating openly, and practicing safe sex, you are practicing healthy relationships and helping to create a healthy community.

Get Tested for STIs

If you’re ready to get tested for STIs, schedule an appointment with a primary care provider or a member of our expert OBGYN Team.  If you are a Boulder Medical Center patient, you can schedule online via your MyChart account.