As students return to the University of Mississippi for another school year, an overflowing bowl of condoms at the gym's entrance has sparked mixed reactions. While officials refill the bowl multiple times daily, many students pass by, snickering and hesitating to take one. This reluctance reflects a broader trend: fewer young people are having sex, and those who are sexually active aren't using condoms regularly. Disturbingly, individuals aged 15 to 24 accounted for half of new chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases in 2022. Experts attribute this decline in condom usage to advancements in long-term birth control and a diminishing fear of HIV. Dr. Joseph Cherabie, medical director at the St. Louis HIV Prevention Training Center, notes, “Old condom ads were meant to scare you, and all of us were scared for the longest time. Now we're trying to move away from that and focus more on what works for you.” Amidst vibrant nightlife in downtown Oxford, many students admit to avoiding condoms, while young women often end up initiating the use of condoms with men. One student informed that she's heard men telling their sexual partners that they'd rather buy emergency contraception the next day. As Mississippi's sex education remains largely abstinence-focused, public health advocates stress the need for comprehensive programs that emphasize safe sex practices, including condom use. CDC officials maintain that condoms still play a crucial role in preventing STIs. Without proper education and resources, the risk of STIs will likely continue to rise, underscoring the urgent need for change. #Queer Up Health