During the past couple of weeks, The State News has run a series on students’ sexual health on campus, giving advice on how to remain sexually healthy and providing resources for those who wish to get tested for sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.

At MSU, 2.2 percent of students reported having an STI, according to the MSU Spring Health Assessment 2012.

Those who have engaged in unprotected sex with anyone should consider getting tested for infections to ensure they are sexually healthy. It also is important that those who have an STI or believe they might be infected receive proper treatment.

Some sexually active students believe they and their partners are clean because they are symptom-free, but some STIs show no symptoms, and people who are infected can spread the disease to others unknowingly. Students who are not involved in monogamous relationships but remain sexually active especially can be susceptible to STIs if they choose not to use protection. And although knowing the sexual history of every single partner might not seem plausible, students should be discussing sex with their partner before engaging in it. No matter how much a student trusts his or her partner, they both should get tested before having unprotected sex.

Some students are afraid to get tested or tell their partners they have an STI because they are afraid their partners no longer will want to be involved in a relationship. But those who carry STIs should not feel stigmatized by their peers. And those who have an infection or think they might be infected should get tested and abstain from sex until getting clearance from a doctor.

Getting tested for STIs is free at many clinics, and those who charge often do so at a low price.

Ultimately, getting tested can provide a sexually active student with a peace of mind about his or her sexual health and allows those who are infected to become knowledgeable about their disease and begin receiving the proper treatment. If students think they might be infected, they are doing themselves and others a favor by getting tested.

Students now know the misconceptions about STIs and have the tools to get tested after reading the sexual health series in The State News. The possibility of getting this type of infection is something that every student should consider before getting involved in a sexual relationship with a partner.

Safe sex is the smartest kind of sex for those who do not know the sexual health or history of their partners, but those who think they might have an infection should get tested to ensure the safety of themselves and any partner they might have in the future.