The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), in conjunction with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., hosted “How Crowded is your Bed?” on Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the Student Union, Room 223.

The presentation was appropriately called “How Crowded is your Bed?” to emphasize the reality that a person may not know how many people he or she has slept with. It is held annually during Black History Month to instruct students on the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and how to prevent them.

“We provide information that students may be afraid to ask and we want to bring truths about the myths out there so that people can be educated,” said Jacy Carpenter, a junior majoring in psychology. “African American STD cases are highest among any other race in New Orleans, so we want to raise awareness to African Americans in particular.”

The event began with a few icebreakers and featured the University Health Center’s Staff’s Registered Nurse (RN), Kuldip Grest, who gave a presentation entitled “Condom Sense.”

Grest cleared up some common myths about STDs, contributed some statistics and provided information on how they can be prevented.

“Some people believe that if you have it in the shower, or tub, or flowing water that you won’t get STDs,” said Grest. “But it’s not going to flow away.”

Grest also mentioned how long it takes for one to be afflicted with an STD and the percentage of people who are infected.

“It takes less than 30 seconds to contract an STD,” said Grest. “One out of two people who engage in sex end up with an STD, and one doesn’t have to have intercourse. As long as the skin is in contact, it is possible.”

The statistics enlightened students of just how prevalent STDs are in their own surroundings.

“I learned facts about Louisiana, like the amount of STDs that Tangipahoa Parish really had,” said Alyssa Zinna, a sophomore majoring in English. “I thought it was interesting that an STD can be passed through a mother before, during and after birth.”

There is only one method that one can practice to ensure that he or she does not contract an STD.

“Abstinence is the best way to avoid STDs and it is ideal, but not practical,” said Grest.

Condoms are an alternative to abstinence; however, they do not always protect against STDs. Grest provided the audience with some guidelines that improve the reliability of a condom – store in a cool, dry place, check the expiration date and make sure that it contains nonoxynol-9, a compound that kills the sperm.

Another purpose of “How Crowded is your Bed?” is to encourage students to get tested annually for HIV and other STDs. Volunteers of America, located in Mandeville, offers free HIV testing and counseling. Mouth swabs are used, there are no needles, results are given in 20 minutes and they are confidential. For an appointment, call 985-674-0488.

For more information about STDs or other services administered by the Health Center, call 985-549-2241.