RU & Sexually Transmitted Infection

Just the Facts 

Youve heard the rumors about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at Rutgers University. But do you know the facts? 

Myth: Over one-half of the women at RU have an STI. 

Myth: RU has one of the highest rates of STIs in the country. 

How the rumors started: 

Starting in 1992, a non-random sample of students, representing approximately 3% of the RU female population, participated in an HPV (human papillomavirus) study that took place over three years. Initially, 26% of the participants were already infected with HPV and an additional 43% became infected over the next three years. The study found that approximately 60% of the participants were infected with HPV at some point in the three years, but not necessarily at the same time. 

The Facts

7        RU has the same prevalence of STIs as other colleges/universities nationwide.

7        RU has the same prevalence for this age group found statewide. 

We do not know the actual incidence or prevalence rate of any sexually transmitted infection among Rutgers University students, only estimates. Based on the students who have come to the Rutgers University Health Services, the most commonly diagnosed STIs are HPV and chlamydia. We estimate that about 20% of students engaging in sexual activity may be infected with herpes, and about 25-35% may be infected with HPV (most of which clears up on its own).  We are increasingly concerned about an anticipated increase in Hepatitis B infection among students. 

By age 24, at least one at of every four Americans is infected with a STI and people under 25 account for approximately two-thirds of all new STI infections (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, September 2002). Based upon national data, the most common STIs among college-age students are HPV, Herpes Simplex Virus, and chlamydia.  

Collecting accurate statistics on STIs is challenging. Diagnosis of some STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, must be reported to the state (health department) and federal (CDC) government for tracking purposes. Other STIs, such as HPV and Herpes Simplex Virus, are not reportable. In addition, not everyone infected with a STI may seek testing or treatment, and are therefore not included in government numbers or RU statistics. 

The Bottom Line

Not everyone at Rutgers is infected with an STI. But you cant tell who is just by looking at them. Remember, abstaining from all intimate sexual contact and sexual intercourse - vaginal, anal, and oral - is the only way to avoid infection with a STI. If you have sexual contact with a partner (regardless of gender), consider getting screened for STIs at any RU Student Health Center.  Some STIs are recognizable visually by a clinical exam; others require a culture or blood, to be taken and tested for the presence of bacteria or other infectious agents. 

Remember that communication is a vital part of any relationship and staying healthy. Talk with your partner about STIs before you have sexual contact.  Use condoms (male or female condoms) for all sexual intercourse  vaginal, anal and oral. 

Have questions? Check out the RU Health Service website at http://health.rutgers.edu or call any RU Student Health Center. 

New Brunswick Student Health Centers
Hurtado (CAC)                  732-932-7402
Busch-Livingston               732-445-3250
Willets (Cook/Douglass)     732-932-9805

Last Modified 12/22/2005