Having fun shouldn't have to involve sexual risks

Sexual health is particularly important for college students, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest risk of developing a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Recently, Indiana University conducted a study where they tried to determine what makes some students happier than others and offered tips on how to be outgoing without risking sexual health.

Researchers found that happy students who were not known for being particularly outgoing, managed to have a good time by finding people who had similar interests and ideals as they did. Scientists also found that goal-oriented kids tend to be happier because they spent their leisure time doing productive things rather than partying or going to clubs, that could lead to potentially dangerous situations.

Finally, school researchers reminded students that no good time is worth putting their sexual health at risk.

"Update your status. Your STI status, that is. If you've ever had oral sex, vaginal sex or anal sex, then it would be wise to get tested for STIs such as chlamydia (the most common bacterial STI in the U.S., and prevalent among those ages 15 to 24), gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV," said Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University.