Sexual Health

Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 34. Survival rates are high, especially if the cancer is detected and treated early. This is the same cancer that Lance Armstrong beat and went on to win the Tour de France.

Testicular self examination should be done once a month. Ask your primary care physician (PCP) or pick up one of our brochures if you are unsure how to do it. Testicular Cancer is one of the most curable forms of Cancer.

For more information on how to do a testicular exam, Health Services has several brochures available on testicular cancer or go to www.cancer.org then search for testicular cancer.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV
If you choose to be sexually active, protect yourself and your partner against sexually transmitted infection. If you are concerned about your partner’s unwanted pregnancy (being a father), be well informed about contraceptive methods.

Sexually transmitted infections need medical attention. Prevention, through the use of condoms or abstinence, is your first line of defense. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent the spread of infection.

If you have had more than one sexual partner or your partner has had more than one partner, STI and HIV testing are recommended even if you have no symptoms.

Urethritis in men is an inflammation of the urethra in which urine and ejaculate are passed through the penis. In college-aged men urethritis is most commonly due to sexually transmitted organisms. Urinary tract infections are rare in men.

Common symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection are:

• Skin sores, bumps or changes in the genital area
• Drip or discharge from the penis
• Painful or sore genitals
• Pain during and after sex

Sexually transmitted infections can be bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections such as gonorrhea and syphilis can be easily cured with antibiotics. Viral infections like herpes can be controlled, but not cured, with medication.

If you are concerned that you may have a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), please come to Health Services and speak to one of our nurses or seek medical attention from you own medical provider.

Other excellent resources are:

Highland Family Planning - 2 Locations
585-279-4890
1) Lovejoy Family Medicine Center - Highland Family Medicine
777 South Clincon Ave - RTS Bus Rte 11
Monday & Wednesday 12:30pm-7pm

2) East Ridge Family Medicine
585-225-5735
809 East Ridge Rd - RTS Bus Rte 4
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am-4:15pm
www.familyplanning.urmc.edu

Planned Parenthood
(585) 546-2595
1-866-600-6886 (Toll-Free Hotline) for Appts., Questions, Contact a Nurse or Speak to a Counselor
114 University Avenue
Rochester, NY 14605
Helpline Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
www.pprsr.org

New York State STD clinics by county

STD Clinic at the Monroe County Department of Health:
855 West Main St. (Bullshead Plaza)
Rochester N.Y. 14611
(585) 464.5928
They provide free and confidential care. No appointment is necessary. Hours are:

Monday	9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Tuesday	8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Wednesday	8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Thursday	9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Friday	9:30 am to 11:30 am

Health Services has several brochures on Urethitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Information is also available online.

• www.goaskalice.columbia.edu
• www.smartersex.org
• www.knowhivaids.org
  

Tobacco Use

Smokeless Tobacco
The use of chewing tobacco, also called spitting tobacco, and snuff is seen almost exclusively in men and more so in male athletes. Be aware that this form of tobacco, although not inhaled, is also highly addictive and carries significant risks of oral cancer and gum disease. Chewing tobacco and snuff are not safe alternatives to cigarettes. Get the facts.

• Smokeless Tobacco
• Quit smoking tips
• TobaccoFreeU

Violent Injury and Death

Violence involving young men includes assault, rape, suicide, homicide, and injury or death from motor vehicle accidents.

Assault and Homicide
According to the CDC “homicide is the second leading cause of death in ages 10 to 24 and the leading cause of death in African Americans in this age group.” Don’t become a statistic!

The use of alcohol and other drugs and being around people who use alcohol/drugs increase your risk of becoming the victim of a violent act. Gang involvement and low commitment to school also increase the risk of violence in your life.

Increased involvement with school and social activities can be a protective factor if you are concerned about violence in your life. 

Suicide
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people aged 15-24, and the second leading killer in the college population. Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than females. Males are also more likely to use a gun to commit suicide.

Suicide is often linked to untreated depression.
Specific signs of potential suicide include:

• Talking openly about committing suicide
• Talking indirectly about "wanting out" or "ending it all"
• Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
• Giving away personal possessions

If you are thinking about suicide or are concerned about a friend, come to Health Services, go to the Counseling Center or call 1-800-SUICIDE where counselors answer phone calls 24 hours a day.

To read more about suicide online:

• www.ulifeline.org
• www.dbsaroch.org/suicideprevention.html

Motor Vehicle Accidents
Younger and newer drivers are significantly more likely than more experienced drivers to:

• underestimate hazardous situations or dangerous situations.
• speed, run red lights, make illegal turns, ride with an intoxicated driver, and drive after using alcohol or drugs.
• not wear seatbelts, especially after drinking alcohol or using drugs.

This behavior results in the increased risk that young people will be in motor vehicle accidents with the risk of serious injury and death greatly increased.

Sports Injuries

Participation in athletics improves physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline, and gives people valuable opportunities to make friends, socialize, and learn teamwork.

Sports activities can also result in injuries - some minor, some serious, and others resulting in lifelong medical problems. Injuries among young athletes fall into two basic categories: overuse injuries and acute injuries. Both types include injuries to the soft tissues (muscles and ligaments) and bones.

Acute injuries are caused by a sudden trauma. Common acute injuries among young athletes include contusions (bruises), sprains (a partial or complete tear of a ligament), strains (a partial or complete tear of a muscle or tendon) and fractures. Not all injuries are caused by a single, sudden twist, fall, or collision. A series of small injuries can cause minor fractures, minimal muscle tears, or progressive bone deformities, known as overuse injuries.

Prevention:

• Be in proper physical condition to play a sport
• Warm up/cool down
• Avoid playing when very tired or in pain
• Wear proper safety equipment for your sport correctly
• Remember training and techniques to prevent injury
• Attend to injuries promptly

When to Seek Medical Treatment
You should call a health professional if:

• The injury causes severe pain, swelling, or numbness
• You can't tolerate any weight on the area
• The pain or dull ache of an old injury is accompanied by increased swelling or joint abnormality or instability.

For self-help for a sprain or strain (Link to self help for minor injuries)
For more information on sports injury online, go to:

• http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sportsinjuries.html

Heart Health, Diet & Exercise

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men of all ages and racial backgrounds. This risk can be minimized by eating healthy, exercise and maintaining an ideal weight. These healthy lifestyle changes are best established at younger ages, but it is never too late! Plus there is the added benefit of feeling and looking better.

• www.choosemyplate.gov
• www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition.htm