Happy week seven and midterms  week, Pioneers! It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the spring semester. We are so proud of you all and hope that you take extra good care of yourselves during this crazy and stressful week. We also hope that you all have a wonderful break and can take some time to relax!

As you have turned through the pages of this week’s issue, you may have noticed that the headers on our pages are pink instead of green and that most of our graphics have a touch of pink as well. With last week being Sexual Health Week on campus, we wanted to tailor this week’s issue to be a sexual health-themed issue to further stress the importance of not stigmatizing sexual health. This issue is not meant to serve as an endorsement of the Student Health Center, but we do still strongly encourage you to take advantage of all the resources it provides. They exist for you to use them and make navigating sexual health on campus much easier.

In 2019, there were 2.5 million reported cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in the U.S., young people aged 15–24 made up 61%  of chlamydia  cases, and made up 42% of gonorrhea cases. The highest rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were reported among college-aged students.

While we can be thankful that society has come a long way in terms of conversations around sexual health, we all come from different backgrounds and varying degrees of education. Some of us may come into college with little knowledge and experience; some of us may come with a lot, but what matters the most at the end of the day is that you are taking care of yourself physically and mentally. Sexual health is equally important as every other aspect of your health, and we must diminish the stigma around seeking this kind of help.

Sexual health is far more than just preventing STDs or STIs and pregnancy. It is a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. Having open and honest conversations with your partners and your healthcare providers is imperative. Breaking down your own personal stigma is difficult but possible. We believe in you, Pioneers!