CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia was first identified in 1907 and is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
About 1 in 10 sexually active young people tested have chlamydia.
Many people do not realise they have chlamydia, due to lack of symptoms, thus it is dubbed the ‘silent epidemic.’The disease cannot live outside the body for very long, thus you cannot catchchlamydia from toilet seats, sharing baths or towels, or using swimming pools.
It can, however, be spread by sharing sex toys, and so if they are shared it is advisable to wash them and cover them with a condom.
Luckily, chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if leftuntreated it can cause infertility.

HIV
The spread of HIV is thought to be one of the most destructive pandemics ever. Since its discovery in the 1980s it has killed over 25 million people.
HIV affects the whole body, and is even found in tears, saliva and urine, although the concentration is not actually high enough to spread the infection. HIV is thought to have originated in non-human primates during the early 20th century from around sub-Saharan Africa.
Since then no cure or vaccination has been found, however there have been anecdotal cases of people ‘shaking off’ the virus. None of these cases have been proved beyond doubt.
While these cases may be unusual it still provides hope that a cure may eventually be found.

HERPES
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus.
The disease can also affect the mouth and nose, thus producing cold sores. Herpes can also be a result of the infection, and appear on the hands as painful sores.
It is also possible to spread herpes by oral sex and close genital contact as you don’t need to have penetrative sex to pass it on. Transmission is also possible via the hand, however
self infection from various body parts is rare.
The virus can remain inactive in the body and during this time it is not infectious.

Deirdre Walsh

A rigorous session of sex can burn up to two hundred calories, but as well as being great exercise there are loads of untold benefits of sex.The oestrogen released during sex is thought to make hair shinier and skin suppler, thus making you more attractive to a potential mate. Endorphins are
also released, and have been found to have analgesic effects such as lesseningheadaches, stomach cramps and back pain.
Oxycotin, another hormone released during sex, has qualities such as being a natural sedative. This means having sex promotes deep sleep, which in turn benefits your health as a whole. Oxycotin is also known as the bonding hormone, as it is released during birth to promote a good relationship between
mother and child. It is thought that the release of oxycotin during sex promotes a healthier and loving relationship between partners.
The antibody immunoglobulin A is boosted by sex and helps to fight illnesses such as colds and flu. The study conducted by the Wilkes University of Pennsylvania found people having sex more than once or twice a week had 30% higher levels of the antibody. In a study between 1979 and 1983
experts at Caerphilly found frequent sex once or twice a week could reduce the rate of mortality. 918 men took part in the study, and those having regular orgasms had 50% lower mortality. Frequent sex
can also reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes in men, and research is underway to see if ejaculating can also reduce the risk of prostrate cancer.
Sex is an entirely natural and necessary part of human life, and of course has many health benefits.
While we may be the most intelligent species on the planet, our underlying instinct is still to find a mate and reproduce. When it comes down to it, our sex drive and search for love could be clinically described as searching for a mate and establishing time to successfully reproduce.
Sex is about survival of the fittest; our prehistoric ancestors have been assimilated to ‘promiscuous, no
commitment Bonobo chimps Sex, however, has always puzzled scientists. The act of copulation, of which humans manage 120 million times each day, is actually much less efficient than asexual reproduction. While scientists cannot agree upon a definite reason why many species use the act of sex to reproduce, one theory is that it weeds out genetic mutation. Sex may be ourform of natural selection, as those with harmful or undesirable mutations will find it harder to mate.
We could, however, be described as being part of an ongoing sexual revolution which began in the sixties with the birth of the contraceptive pill. Humans no longer only mate to reproduce, but instead have sex for pleasure and bonding between partners. Perhaps the enjoyment and health benefits could explain why we humans prefer the act of copulation, rather than just simply splitting ourselves in two.

Megan French

Well if sex happened, without one of your free fresher’s condoms, it might be a good idea to get checked out at one of these places.

The Advice Centre.

3rd Floor,

The Union

The advice centre offers free condoms, and advice for any problems you may have. For more information visit hullstudent.com/advice or call 01482 466263.

Conifer House

32-36 Prospect Street,

Hull,

HU2 8PX

Conifer House is a sexual health clinic based in the city centre. It provides testing and treatment of sexually trasmitted diseases. Pregnancy testing, family planning and emergency contraception are also available. Most services do not require an appointment, but for more information visit http://www.luvhull.co.uk/conifer/conifer.html or call 01482 336336.

University Counselling

138 Cottingham Road,

Hull,

HU6 7RY

The University offers free counselling to all students. The service deals with 300-500 students every year and offer a variety of appointments. It is open 9am until 4.30pm (4.15pm on a Friday), and offers a drop-in service between 12pm and 1pm. More information is available from hull.ac.uk/counselling. You can also email studentcounselling@hull.ac.uk or phone 01482 465166.

Nightline

Nightline is a confidential listening and information serivce run by student volunteers. Lines are open between 8pm and 8am. It offers call back to all 01482 Hull numbers and to halls of residence. There are other services available via Nightline – view the website via hullstudent.com to see. Call Nightline on 01482 466272.

Áine Murphey

“I’ve recently moved into the Lawns to start at the University of Hull. Even though I am enjoying the constant party atmosphere, don’t get me wrong, I do like a drink and a party, I am worried about the spread of sexual diseases within the student body. I don’t sleep around, but what if I sleep with someone who does? Should I avoid sex altogether?”

Anonymous

The Catholic Archbishop of Mozambique, Francisco Chimoio, says that the best way to avoid HIV/AIDS is through sexual abstinence. But, he also said “I know that there are two countries in Europe … making condoms with the [AIDS] virus, on purpose”. However, condoms displaying the European CE mark meet high safety standards, and are the best alternative for those of us not partaking in sexual abstinence. As far back as ancient Greece, condoms have been used throughout history to prevent pregnancy, often made of linen or sometimes even lamb intestine. Nowadays condoms are made of latex and help to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases as well as pregnancy. As some infections or diseases have little or no symptoms, condoms offer the best protection for peace of mind.

Also, there is the risk of pregnancy! To me babies are not cute, pretty or sweet – they are smelly, noisy monkeys. Using a condom is one of the most effective ways of stopping pregnancy, as it presents a physical barrier to the sperm. In addition there are other options such as the pill or the implant, which can be used alongside condoms. Condoms produce no side effects unless you are allergic to latex, in which case latex-free condoms are also available. Finally, good and safe sex is based on respect and trust, so if you have any qualms or issues don’t be afraid to talk to your partner.

Daniel Carlin