In the U.S., unplanned pregnancy is one of the biggest problems among college woman, as well as sexually transmitted diseases to the entire college population. The “hook up” culture has contributed a lot to the increase in such aspects of college life, yet even in universities with religious affiliations, statistics for unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted disease contagion are still relatively high.
Among college freshmen & sophomore between the ages of 18 and 19, unplanned pregnancy is at its highest peak. Out of 1,000 women, 105 on average will become impregnated without family planning during their first years in college. Out of those unplanned pregnancies, almost half of the women will decide to terminate their pregnancy through means of abortion. College women who are between the ages of 20-24 make 30% of the abortion rates, and 40% of those women have admitted to not have utilized any form of contraception due to lack or no access to them while in college.
Sexually transmitted diseases are the most prevalent within the college population. Two-thirds of all individuals within the ages of 15-24 have reported to be infected with an STD or numerous ones. Unfortunately by the age of 24, 1 in 3 sexually active individuals will have contracted an STD, HPV (human papilloma virus) being the most common at 43%. 48% of woman are found to have contracted trichomoniasis which causes vaginal infections.Not to mention, HIV/AIDS is also very critical danger occurring within the college population.
Risky behavior like “hooking up” due to drug and/or alcohol abuse puts these students at very high risk of STD infection, especially with HIV/AIDS. Also, unplanned pregnancy is a result of this type of behavior among college students. Several of those engaging in “hook ups” have low rates of using condoms or any time of contraception that prevents pregnancy and/or STDs.