LOS ANGELES, March 05, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Spring break is around the corner and that means millions of college students nationwide will unplug, party, make some new connections, and of course, hook up. During Spring Break, it's projected that more than half of college students nationwide are preparing to invade the beaches of Miami, the strip of Las Vegas, and the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, among other popular destinations both near and far. According to U.S. News, Miami Beach, South Padre Island, and Panama City Beach are still the top U.S. Spring Break destinations.
But when it comes to having fun during Spring Break, studies have shown that binge drinking often leads to casual and unprotected sex. According to results published in the Journal of American College Health, during Spring Break the average male consumes 18 alcoholic drinks/day and the average female consumes about 10 alcoholic drinks/day. Additionally, about half of those studied had engaged in drinking until they got sick and passed out. Such actions are unfortunately believed to contribute to the increase in STDs and infections following Spring Break season. For example, it was reported that the Gallatin City County Health Department saw 70 cases of chlamydia 10 weeks prior to spring break and 103 cases after spring break. Overall, STD cases are at an all-time high according to the CDC.
To help prepare college students to be aware and on top of their sexual health during Spring Break, myLAB Box, the first at-home sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing service, presents these helpful reminders and tips:
A. Condoms. If you have sex, use a condom every time. The condom is one of your best methods of defense against infection and unwanted pregnancies. When used correctly, they can offer a 98% chance of preventing pregnancy. While not perfect, latex condoms are also among the best ways to protect against many STIs.
B. Other Methods of Protection. There are other ways to protect yourself from an STI, or unwanted pregnancies, besides a condom and these include the birth control pill, the patch and the ring, all of which are prescribed by your doctor. All of these methods are designed to administer hormones to your body – via pill, a patch that is worn on your skin, or a ring that you insert vaginally – for 3 weeks at a time, with your period occurring in the 4th week.
C. Safe Sex Isn't As Safe As You May Think. STIs are not only passed through intercourse. You can also contract them from oral sex and, in some cases, even from kissing. For example, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are three infections that can directly affect your mouth or throat. It pays to educate yourself on the common signs and symptoms of the most common STIs. myLAB Box's blog and FAQ page provide invaluable information.
D. Party but Be Aware. The myth of "what happens on spring break, stays on spring break" is a lie. Be cautious when having sex after drug or alcohol use. If you use alcohol or other drugs, you are more likely to take risks like not using a condom or having sex with someone you normally wouldn't have sex with.
"The college experience is formative in more ways than one. In addition to academics and friendships, college is also the time many young adults develop or expand their sexuality. We can't talk about Spring Break, without talking about sex. At myLAB Box we see this as the perfect time for some hook-up housekeeping and a reminder to protect ourselves and our partners from sexually transmitted infections," said Lora Ivanova, CEO & Co-Founder of myLAB Box. "After all, the sign of a truly great vacation is going back to school full of fun memories, not STIs or any harm to your health. We hope these tips will be a good reminder to college students who are enjoying Spring Break to practice safe sex."
About myLAB Box
Founded in 2013, myLAB Box is the first company to offer a nationwide at-home screening platform for STDs. All myLAB Box tests are validated by fully licensed CLIA-certified myLAB Box lab affiliates with extensive experience in testing for infectious diseases. By offering testing, screening or testing services directly to consumers, myLAB Box is able to offer exceptional service at half the cost of conventional lab tests. From affordable screening to complimentary physician consultations for positives, every aspect of the myLAB Box service is designed to be safe, effective and efficient. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California. For more information, visit: http://www.mylabbox.com.
SOURCE myLAB Box
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