Two years after puberty, once we turn 18, or whenever we start having sex ““ these are the events that determine the commencement of “the annual appointment.”
It may be a little awkward, and sometimes painful, but getting through it provides a sense relief and has the potential to save your life.
However, anxiety about the questions asked, the position assumed and the testing results obtained during a checkup can all affect one’s feelings about the doctor.
Embarrassment about our activities in (and outside of) the bedroom and fear of judgment are perfectly legitimate concerns ““ but are completely unnecessary.
Students in their twenties are the most sexually active group of any age category. It would seem appropriate that this category also receive the most information and attention when it comes to sexual health.
The women: Yes, they’ve got it. The men: Not so much.
An entire medical profession is dedicated to women’s sexual health.
Asking for an HIV test or about an odd blemish or the latest birth control options are all fair game in women’s annual checkups, but what about men’s?
Whether or not we as women feel comfortable enough to take advantage of this situation is a totally different story. But men rarely have the opportunity to take advantage at all.
The best ob-gyn will understand the type of sex life you lead and not let that information affect your treatment, will make you feel comfortable while the stirrups hold your legs and will treat you as an individual ““ not as a potential statistic.
Sadly though, access to this kind of treatment is another difference between the sexes: Men don’t have an ob-gyn.
According to the Urban Institute, a 1995 national survey questioned men aged 15 to 19 and 21 to 26 who had had a physical exam in the previous year. The survey stated that “fewer than one-third used this opportunity to discuss AIDS, other STDs or condom use with a health professional. Even smaller proportions were tested for HIV or other STDs.”
This problem has quite a boomerang effect.
For those heterosexual males not getting the correct attention, the women they have sex with are affected negatively too.
According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, women are twice as likely as men to contract an STD.
Even when using a condom, an infected male can easily transfer such diseases as herpes, genital warts and human papillomavirus ““ and vice versa.
Furthermore, the probability of passing on HPV as a male carrier to a female is high all on its own because male screenings for HPV are almost non-existent.
We need to reach a balance between sexual health care for men and women.
It is absolutely ridiculous that men don’t receive regular care in that domain until the age of 40 ““ with the prostate as the main concern ““ when most STDs are transmitted among people under the age of 25.
I strongly believe practicing safe sex and obtaining periodic screenings is essential.
Third-year sociology student Cindy Theodosis agrees: “I don’t go into my annual exam scared, but I come out of it with a feeling of relief. But, if I were to think there was a problem … I wouldn’t wait until my annual exam.”
Although I’m a strong advocate of regular annuals, sometimes those visits are not enough.
Doctor visits should become a regularity for men and women, regardless of sexual orientation.
The emphasis on women’s health in college is wonderful, but a few additions need to take place in the health maintenance of our male counterparts.
Men aged 20 to 24 had the highest rate of gonorrhea of any group of males in 2006, as in previous years. In addition, sexually active men and women between the ages of 10 and 24 showed higher risk for acquiring STDs in general.
To solve this problem, men need the opportunity to ask for an STD test and HIV screening on a regular basis.
We need to put an equal emphasis on sexual health services for men and women. After all, it takes two to … well, you know.
These practices allow for the most carefree sex life possible.
Take advantage of modern-day intelligence and technology so you have less to worry about and more to enjoy when you throw yourself between the sheets.
If you can’t talk to your doctor just yet, e-mail Forde at nforde@media.ucla.edu. Send general comments to viewpoint@media.ucla.edu.