More schools using expensive check for disease

Controversy over genital herpes testing at Stanford University has sparked national attention about whether or not Campus Health officials should routinely test for the sexually transmitted disease.

The UA's Campus Health Service, like Stanford's, is one of many university clinics in the nation that does not test for genital herpes at annual gynecological or physical exams unless patients specifically request the service.

Alberta Hopkins, a triage nurse for Women's Health, said the test would not be conducted unless a student requested it or if the students' physical condition or sexual history caused health care providers to recommend a test.

"Generally if somebody comes in without lesions and a normal history we won't encourage testing," Hopkins said. "We assess each student based on the number of partners they've had and the frequency of partners."

Students who experience outbreaks of genital blisters can have a culture test conducted on the lesion. A blood test can also be conducted on a student who does not have blisters but fears he or she was exposed to the STD.

But neither of these exams are routinely conducted, a fact that not all students are aware of.

"I just assumed when you went in for a check-up like (a gynecological exam) you'd be tested for the most common STDs," said Emily Chapman-Hushek, a psychology freshman. "There should be a sign that says, 'We are not testing for herpes.'"

Psychology freshman Kyle Anderson said he thinks herpes testing should be mandatory for all sexually active students.

"I think you have a responsibility to get tested if you're sexually active," Anderson said.

Hopkins cited a variety of reasons why the test is not included in examinations.

For example, the antibodies that would indicate a presence of genital herpes during a blood test often don't develop for up to six months after exposure to the disease, Hopkins said.

The $50 procedure also deters Campus Health from testing every student being examined, she said.

"For some students, the financial burden may not justify doing the test," Hopkins said. "But if a patient comes in and wants every test done, it will be done regardless of their sexual history."

Matt Freeman, a physiological sciences freshman, said he feels Campus Health is doing the right thing by making the costly test voluntary.

"I think students should be responsible and be tested, but I don't think it should be mandatory," Freeman said. "Not everybody has the money, and not everybody is sexually active."

Freeman said he thinks students who have sex should be responsible for their decisions and be proactive when it comes to being tested for STDs.

"I know I've been sexually active and I know getting tested for STDs was one of the first things I did," Freeman said.

Hopkins said taking measures like using condoms and communicating with your sexual partner helps prevent contracting genital herpes. Hopkins also encouraged students who have any questions about their sexual health to speak with a Campus Health professional.

"What we'd like students to do is come in, discuss their sexual history or speak to the triage nurse," Hopkins said.

Hopkins said she advises all women who have been sexually active for a year to come in for a Pap smear and encouraged all students to get tested for STDs before beginning a new relationship.