One in ten of Ireland's university students has contracted an STI.
A survey of nearly 420 University of Limerick students shows 60% of those were reluctant to attend their college health clinic about their concerns.
It also reveals 40% believe STI's do not pose long-term health effects.
Researchers from the Medical School at the university are expressing concern that 3% of those questioned believe it is impossible for a woman to get pregnant the first time she has sex.