On a bleak Wednesday afternoon, “Megan”, a 19-year-old Edinburgh University student, stared at the speckled floor of the health clinic. Only moments prior, a nurse told her she tested positive for Chlamydia.
She knew she had to tell her past partners, but as she typed out the message, she couldn’t get herself to press send.
“The infection didn’t scare me,” She later told me. “But everyone finding out did.”
“I was embarrassed to tell people because I didn’t want to be that girl…”
For many, University is a new life of independence, new beginnings and new relationships. However, a larger issue lies hidden under the excitement of student life: sexually transmitted infections, which are more common among university students compared to anyone else in the UK, with Edinburgh and Glasgow being in the top 10 UK Universities with the highest STI rates.
The struggle for most students isn’t a lack of awareness but rather the social stigma that hinders them. Shame and embarrassment are the main fire starters, prompting people to avoid telling past partners about test results.
Megan, an economics student at Edinburgh University, describes herself as responsible and self-assured, when around her it becomes clear she’s positively self-obsessed. Carrying herself with the highest degree of pride in all facets of her life.
“Megan” told me about her personal experience with the fear of public humiliation in sexual health conversations.
“I was immediately filled with dread”
“When I was told my results. I was embarrassed to tell people because I didn’t want to be that girl; I didn’t want that label to follow me around. I thought it would ruin my reputation, and I think a lot of people can relate to feeling shameful in that situation.”
Many students are aware of STIs, but it is rarely a topic of conversation with peers, as many believe it’s something that just wouldn’t happen to them. “They’re obviously pretty common, but I think if you don’t hear about anyone you know getting anything, you think it’s unlikely for it to happen to you.”
The silence on this topic can create a dangerous misconception when students don’t hear about it from their peers and in social circles. With many assuming the risk is low, even when engaging in behaviour that could expose them to the infection. This absence of open discussion reinforces the idea that contracting an STI is shameful rather than a common health issue.
“Having serious conversations about protection and history can feel like it ruins that fun and carefree aspect.”
In contrast to the difficulty of conversations about testing, conversations about protection are relatively normalised among students. However, discussions about sexual health history can still feel awkward and confrontational.
In my conversation with Megan, she told me, “Bringing up protection is pretty standard, and I’ve never felt weird asking about it, but testing or past partners can be an awkward topic.”
“To some people, it can come across as an accusation – asking them of having something, rather than about taking precaution.”
This reaction tends to stem from the stigma surrounding sexually transmitted infections. Because this stigma is deeply rooted in social stereotypes involving sexuality, many people still link STIs to someone who is hyperactive sexually, but in reality, infections can occur in any sexual relationship.
Modern dating culture can make these conversations difficult, as the number of students using dating apps continues to rise. Casual encounters can be seen as a common part of university life, with many relationships being short-term, which can make serious conversations about sexual health feel out of place and awkward.
“Hook-up culture is pretty normalised at uni, and I think a lot of people use dating apps cause it’s easy to find someone else who also just wants to have fun. Having serious conversations about protection and history can feel like it ruins that fun and carefree aspect.”
As a result, some students avoid the conversation entirely and prioritise spontaneity over safety. But ignoring the topic does not eliminate the risk.
While many universities have expanded access to testing and sexual health resources, like free condoms, the social stigma surrounding STIs remains strong. As long as infections are seen as embarrassing and shameful, students will continue to hide diagnoses, avoid conversations with partners and underestimate their own risk.
The solution begins with normalising these discussions and treating sexual health conversations as a normal part of a relationship instead of a taboo. Normalising conversations about sexual health is an important step in reducing the stigma and transmission.
Testing is quick, confidential and free at NHS clinics. For students, getting tested regularly and encouraging partners to do the same is the simplest way to protect themselves and others. Open conversations and routine testing can help ensure that sexual health becomes a shared responsibility rather than a shameful secret.
