Among all other epidemics, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are the most alarming in the US. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has given an estimation that there are as many as 20 million new infections in the US every year. Not only that, but according to the CDC’s latest data, the US hit a record-high STD rate for the sixth consecutive year in 2019, with 2.5 million people being infected with the three common STDs- syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.
These high rates of STD over the years have given rise to the question of whether people are taking STD testing seriously or not. Not only that, but one can even question the number of STD clinics available in the country.
Why Are STD Rates Increasing?
With the US entering into its sixth year of increasing STD rates, it becomes quite baffling for citizens and health officials alike. In fact, it has been reported that 20 years ago, gonorrhea cases were at their lowest, and syphilis was nearing elimination. Twenty years later, these infections have seemingly caught up and entered the lives of people.
One of the reasons why the STD rates have been increasing could be due to the lack of proper education, especially among the youth. It has been reported that people between the ages of 15 and 24 are among the most susceptible ones to the three common STDs. This could stem from the fact that they do not use protection while engaging in sexual intercourse. And also, the fact that people have now resorted to online dating apps could be another factor.
It is always advisable to ensure that people who engage in sexual intercourse with their partners for the first time know about their health history. This includes asking them whether they have ever gone through an STD Testing or not. To engage in sex without knowing whether the person is infected or not could lead to transmission of the infection.
With most STDs being curable, it doesn’t imply that this infection can be taken lightly. If a person is unlucky, they may be prone to several health complications due to the infection and could even cause life-threatening harm. For women, STDs may cause complications like infertility, pelvic cancer, or even transmission of the infection to the infant.
The Importance of STD Clinic Testing
In March 2010, the Affordable Care Act came into being. This meant that Americans could now access primary care, expect insurance coverage, and even consumer protections. According to a research, by 2013, there were as many as 4079 STD clinics in the US. While this number was quite low then, STD rates at that time weren’t as high as they are now.
When it comes to the US healthcare, STD clinics are of the utmost importance. In fact, a study concluded that people always choose to head to STD clinics when it comes to their sexual health care. The reason is that it’s low-cost, convenient, and delivers expert care. Not only that, but the provision of walk-in care for uninsured patients makes it even more convenient.
That being said, getting tested for STD is still seen as a social stigma. Some people tend to hesitate to go for STD testing due to reasons like shame or guilt. While there is nothing wrong with engaging in sexual intercourse, how you take measures to prevent transmission or contraction of infections is important. Even if a person practices safe sex, there could be times when the infection is still contracted.
It’s important for people to understand that there is nothing wrong with getting tested for STD. In fact, it only shows the person’s concern for their well-being and that of their partners. It also shows a sense of responsibility. People should not be bothered about what society will think of them.
Moreover, all STD clinics conduct their tests and declare the results in private. This means people won’t have to worry about their information being leaked. Most times, this is the main reason why people refrain from getting tested for STD. So, this little piece of information could be of great help for them and encourage getting tested for STD.
While the CDC recommends that people should get tested for STD once annually, they could also get tested twice a year. It solely depends on the way people practice safe sex. If a person were to have multiple sexual partners or indulge in sharing needles, it becomes necessary to get tested at least two times in a year. This will help in further prevention of transmission or contraction of any kind of STD.
People should be well aware by now that STDs could get life-threatening if left untreated. Some STDs like HIV without treatment can result in AIDS, which is non-curable and leads to death. Therefore, people should always keep these things in mind when they are sexually active or meeting with new partners.
The public and health officials alike should contribute in curbing the high rates of STD. There would be no point for health officials and lawmakers to sacrifice their time and money respectively for reducing STD rates when the public doesn’t cooperate. Only through collective effort will the Americans be able to see the day when STD isn’t life-threatening or an epidemic.
Once a person is sexually active, it’s important to get tested for STD every year. This is as per the recommendation of the CDC. With this in mind, people should take full advantage of STD clinic testing facilities when they are available. Now that the pandemic that took the world by surprise is slowly coming to an end, the time is now to step up and say no to malpractices of sex. People should also be able to encourage each other to go for STD testing every once in a while. With support from the family and society, getting tested for STD won’t remain a taboo anymore.