Stay sexy, but safe, when blowing off steam - Health

As school starts up again, so too will the times of pulling all-nighters and using Red Bulls as meal substitutes.

Since Hopkins students generally don't ditch exams in order to be less stressed, the second best way to alleviate stress is sex.

OK, a hot shower, going to the gym, chocolate or whatever else makes you happy will work, too. Pleasure makes your body release endorphins - natural pain-alleviators and happiness-makers.

Nothing adds more stress, however, then being blindsided by the negative effects of sex. If you're going to use sex as your recreational endorphin-producer to escape stress, watch out for these possible problems:

1. Pregnancy. Unless you really want it, avoid pregnancy. You know the drill. Use a condom, pill, patch or ring. Or get sterilized. Just make sure you use contraception.

2. Chlamydia. Caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, this STI can be transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal sex. Chlamydia has no symptoms in up to 75 percent of infected women and half of infected men. Both sexes can experience unusual discharge or pain on urination.

In women, the infection first attacks the cervix and urethra. If the infection spreads to the fallopian tubes, women may experience fever, nausea, lower abdominal and back pain, pain during intercourse and bleeding between periods.

Guys may experience pain and swelling of the testicles. Rarely, untreated chlamydia will progress in men to cause pain, fever and sterility.

3. Gonorrhea. The bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae loves moist areas of the reproductive tract. Gonorrhea is transferred through oral, vaginal or anal sexual contact. Ejaculation doesn't have to occur for transmission to take place, and this STI can be asymptomatic.

Both men and women may experience a burning sensation during urination or a painful and itchy rectal infection. Over a long period of time, widespread infection may occur throughout the body, affecting the blood, joints and heart. This condition can be life-threatening.

Women may experience vaginal discharge and bleeding between periods. Men may also experience a discolored discharge from the penis. When left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility in men.

3. Syphilis. Contracted by direct contact with a syphilis sore, this STI is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and may not manifest itself for years.

First, small open sores may occur over the body for no more than six weeks. There may be many of these painless sores or as few as one.

Next, a non-itchy rash will occur in a few areas of the body. You might also experience swollen lymph glands and fever.

The last stage is latent and causes internal damage to the organs. This damage can cause loss of motor coordination, paralysis, dementia, blindness and sometimes death.

Syphilis can be treated by antibiotics like penicillin if caught in the early stages, but later damage is permanent.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Ladies, this one's for you. PID refers to infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes and the rest of the female reproductive system. This is commonly caused by bacteria-related STIs, like the aforementioned chlamydia and gonorrhea. The infection will damage the tissues of the reproductive tract, and can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies.

If caught early, PID can be treated with antibiotics.

5. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). While not always caused by sex, the chances of contracting a UTI are greatly increased by it. This is especially true if you're the dirty type (we're talking unclean, not kinky).

UTIs occur when bacteria, usually E. coli, enters the urinary tract and causes an infection.

For women, the chances of bacteria being transferred from the anus to the urethra are greatly increased by intercourse - especially if you switch doors. Men can also contract the infection.

Symptoms include a strong, persistent urge to pee, a burning sensation during urination and bloody or smelly pee. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to kidney infections and permanent kidney damage.

I suggest using a condom no matter what. It can prevent transmission of most of the above, and in doing so, greatly reduce your stress. And if you're looking for other ways to make it through exams, try alternating studying with light exercise. Nothing, except sex, beats runner's high.