University Officials Say: Burden of STDs Rests On Female Students
Posted on February 21st, 2006
The human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, is spreading faster than any other sexually transmitted disease, especially among college students.
The disease can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer.
Many college health centers now test female students for this disease during yearly gynecological exams without informing the student. And some feel that prevention of HPV is, or should be, the responsibility of women.
From the Louisville Cardinal:"There is a huge knowledge gap about HPV," said Dr. Stanley A. Gall, who specializes in infectious diseases in obstetrics and gynecology, and is a professor at U of L. "It's grim considering 75 percent of the population has been exposed to HPV. We know that by the presence of antibodies or presence of the virus itself." Gall has been researching the STD since 1977.
"The burden of this disease falls on the female," Gall said. He recommends that all college age females visit a gynecologist once a year for a Pap smear. He added that most women don't know about HPV or that when they receive a Pap smear they are specifically being tested for it.Is it right to expect only women to carry the burden of disease prevention? Should university doctors be required to inform students of all tests administered during routine examinations? Please let us know what you think.
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