Birth control may prevent pregnancy, but it certainlydoesn’t prevent sexually transmitted diseases, in fact it mayeven be the catalyst in contracting one.

A study, led by the research teams at the University of NorthCarolina and John Hopkins University, has found that injectedcontraceptives like Depo-Provera have a direct relation to STDcontraction.After testing approximately 800 candidates, the studyshowed that women using Depo-Provera were three times as likely tohave chlamydia or gonorrhea.

The study adjusted for different lifestyles, condom use, numberof partners and sexual acts performed and, regardless, thecandidates who used Depo-Provera were more likely to contract thetwo STDs. Researchers acknowledge that no method of birth controlis protection against STDs, but according to the study, injectedcontraception makes the body more susceptible.

Depo-Provera is popular among sexually active adolescents andyoung adults. It requires one shot every three months, and no dailypill that has to be taken. The results of the study don’tconclude that every Depo-Provera user will contract an STD. Healtheducator Lorraine Martinez said, it depends on your lifestyle.”Getting an STD has to do with someone’s lifestylechoices, mainly if they aren’t using condoms,” Martinezsaid. “We don’t think of any one method as making youmore susceptible.” Lifestyle, number of partners, reaction todifferent levels of hormones and consistency to take medication areall factors that women should consider when choosing the rightbirth control method. Martinez said, Depo-Provera is a good choicefor someone who can’t remember to take a pill everyday.Depo-Provera, as well as oral contraceptives and the patch, areall available at the Student Health Center through the Family Pactprogram, which is free for students who meet the criteria.”When a student enrolls in Family Pact there’s aconsultation on the different types of contraception, as well assafe sex supplies provided,” Martinez said. Students can alsomake an appointment with a health educator who will go over eachbirth control method in detail.Until further study is conducted,women should seek further education on the topic and remaincautious. For more information visit the Health EducationDepartment at the Sacramento State Health Center or call278-5422.