Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
8<br />
Sexual Responsibility<br />
By YVONNE WOOD<br />
So why raise awareness about sexual<br />
responsibility? Because recent<br />
statistics show the climax Americans<br />
are reaching is not the one<br />
they have been hoping for. According<br />
to the CDC reported cases of<br />
sexually transmitted diseases are on<br />
the rise. From 2006-2007 a rise of<br />
7.5% was seen in the rate of transmission<br />
of Chlamydia trachomatis.<br />
Primary and Secondary syphilis<br />
rates increased 81% from 2001-<br />
2007. Congenital syphilis rates are<br />
also on the rise for the fi rst time in<br />
fourteen years.<br />
In an age of information, in which<br />
we know so much about disease<br />
transmission, how are we not decreasing<br />
the number of STD cases?<br />
Possibly the rising trend is due to<br />
an overexposure to sexual content<br />
in the media; as well as a tendency<br />
to educate the facts without discussing<br />
the emotions attached to<br />
sexual intimacy.<br />
Maybe we should start<br />
with a simple question :<br />
“What does<br />
Sexual<br />
Responsibility<br />
mean to<br />
you?”<br />
“What does sexual responsibility mean to you?”<br />
“Practicing safe sex and limiting partners.” Female student, age 22<br />
<strong>MAR</strong>CH 20<strong>09</strong><br />
Student Assistants from Counseling & Health Services asked<br />
<strong>SUNY</strong> <strong>Delhi</strong> students during a recent outreach event as part of<br />
“Sexual Responsibility Week.” Here’s a sampling of what students<br />
had to say:<br />
“To take responsibility for all the possible outcomes. To be safe and always use protection.” Male student, age 19<br />
“It means thinking about what you are doing before you do it. Being smart about all the choices that you make.” Female student,<br />
age 21<br />
“It means using appropriate birth control, connecting with your partner, limiting the amount of partners, and respecting your<br />
partner.” Male student, age 32<br />
“It means taking precautions. Use a condom and get checked out on a regular basis…” Female student, age 18<br />
“To be responsible when engaging in sexual intercourse. Always make sure it’s ok with the other.” Male student, age 20<br />
“Use contraceptives, don’t have sex with everyone, be serious and don’t degrade yourself or disrespect your body.” Female<br />
student, age 18<br />
“Being safe. Sexual responsibility means being able to take care of yourself and others in sexual intercourse. It also means<br />
knowing what you’re doing to prevent future problems.” Male student, age 19<br />
“Not only are you responsible for your own protection from pregnancy and STD’s, you are also responsible for your partners.”<br />
Female student, age 52<br />
“Putting off sex until I feel ready.” Female student, age 21<br />
“It means to respect the wishes of your partner, and to make sure your partner respects you.” Male student, age 19
Change language