As the new academic year begins, UTSA Wellbeing Services is advocating for student health. One of the ways they have done this is by hosting free testing for sexually transmissible infections (STIs).
STIs are primarily caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites and typically spread via sexual contact. Protection such as condoms and routine testing typically limit transmission. By being cautious, you can maintain good sexual health and protect against a sexually transmitted infection.
Many STIs can be silent, or someone may have no outward symptoms but still carry an infection. The rates of STIs in San Antonio have been soaring over the past several years, a trend that appears to mirror similar increases nationwide. According to the San Antonio Current “San Antonio has the 19th-highest rates for sexually transmitted disease (STD) of any large metro.”
Students have access to the university’s Wellness 360 healthcare service. The well-being services are located at Recreation Wellness Center, on the Main Campus, which is open from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 pm. You can set up by walk-in or by phone at (210) 458-4140 The Well-Being Services Center provides free STI testing services. Students can receive these health screenings at no financial cost, with the hope of overcoming any economic barriers students may face.
