By Ashley Peard (Whetstone Staff Writer)

The Whetstone / Cochise Lucas

Sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Each year, there are about 15 million new cases.

In 2008, Delaware had 3,868 reported cases of chlamydia and 1,045 reported cases of gonorrhea.

Over the past decade, Chlamydia cases have doubled in the United States.

“If a person is having sex, they need to be tested,” said Jill Maser, Wesley’s school nurse. “Many STDs have little or no symptoms.”

Getting checked is important.

“I think it’s wise for anyone to get checked for STDs,” says sophomore Matt Tappan. “You should know if you have it, because some are treatable.”

Untreated STDs can cause things like cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility and tubal pregnancy.

“You should get tested because you have to live with it the rest of your life,” said senior Danielle Richey. “If you have AIDs and you don’t know it, you can go to jail for endangering people if you don’t tell them.”

HPV, chlamydia and gonorrhea are some of the most common on college campuses.

If a student is sexually active he or she should get tested once a year for chlamydia and other STDs.

Latex condoms can reduce the risk of some STDs when used consistently and correctly.

They are available for free in the health center in Carpenter Hall.

There are also condom machines in the laundry rooms of the dorms.

“If a student suspects they have an STD they should see a healthcare provider immediately,” Maser said. “They can be evaluated at the Health Center on campus.”