The BG News

Students at the University don't have to attend very long before they first hear the name other schools often refer to us by.

They don't call us BGSU. No, to them, we're often known as "BGSTD."

Most of us heard the rumors before we even applied here - that the University is teeming with infected students and that once you join our ranks, you are doomed to become one of them too.

This, of course, is merely the stuff urban legends are made of.

Because for the past 20 years, from one class to the next, we have been passing on false information.

BGSU boasts no more STI-infected students than any other school. Our dirty reputation is based upon a misinterpretation of the facts.

In 1985, it was falsely reported that one in 10 girls on campus had chlamydia.

In reality, only one in 10 women who had chosen to be tested for chlamydia had it.

And since the flawed statistics were introduced it's been a tough label to cast off.

But the most recent stats from the Wellness Center disprove that label.

For the 2003-2004 school year, only four in 10 students who tested for this Sexually Transmitted Infection actually had it. And only 0.3 percent of those who tested for gonorrhea tested positive.

So there's no reason to rag on the University or be frightened to go to school here.

This is partially because, as we've just established, the rumors are false.

But more importantly, it's because there are so many things you can do to protect yourself from those STIs that do get spread.

It doesn't need to be said that the first step you can take to preventing yourself from becoming a statistic is simply to make smart choices.

Instead of waiting until after you have made a mistake to frantically rush to the health center, why not get checked out right now?

At the University's health center, you can get tested for free for any of the common STIs.

The Wellness Connection also offers free condoms to students, no questions asked.

While you're at it, go over to the Rec Center and get your cholesterol checked for free too.

There are many opportunities on campus for students to regularly check their health, and contraceptive options to keep themselves safe.

It's all there for us, let's use it.

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