According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four sexually active adolescent females has a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

In Whitman County, the most common sexually transmitted disease is gonorrhea, and the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) is chlamydia, said Marsha Turnbull, a registered nurse at health and wellness services. Both of these conditions are bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics.

“Gonorrhea, however, can cause complications before women even know they have an infection, and has also developed resistance to many antibiotics, making it harder to treat,” Turnbull said. 

If left untreated, women can suffer long term effects from these diseases, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, tubal scarring, ectopic pregnancy and chronic pelvic pain.

Troy D. Henderson, director of Whitman County Public Health, said the best way to avoid transmission is to abstain from sexual activity or to properly use a condom every time, as condoms can stop a fluid-transmitted STI.

“Because Whitman County has a high proportion of the population under the age of 24, we have a much higher county rate of STD’s and STI’s than other Washington state counties,” Henderson said.

Health and Wellness services recommends being tested annually or as soon as any symptoms present themselves. Turnbull also suggests having honest conversations with sexual partners about safer sex and testing.

“Some common symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia include burning sensation during urination, vaginal or penile discharge, painful or swollen testicles and bleeding between periods,” she said.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention also lists Human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes as other common STI’s found in the college age demographic.

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. When it does not, it can cause things such as genital warts and cancer.

For any questions on STD’s or STI’s, students can contact Safe is Sexy peer educators, a registered student organization through Health and Wellness Services Health Promotion program. One of their main goals is to increase knowledge and awareness about Sexually Transmitted Diseases and testing options, according to the group’s website.

Screening for STD’s and STI’s is offered at WSU Health and Wellness, Pullman Regional Hospital, WISH Medical and Planned Parenthood.