Free STD Testing in Akron, OH

As the fifth largest city in the state health officials expected high rates, but were not prepared for the rapid increase.

Some of the statistics that seem to indicate the growing health problem in Akron and surrounding Summit County include;

• In 2009 the number of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia infections was reported at 431.9 and rose to 580.1 by the end of 2010.
• The reported incident rate for Chlamydia in 2012 was 421.5 compared to the state average of 445.7.
• There were 41 new diagnoses of HIV in the county in 2009.
• As of 2009 it was reported that 652 residents had been diagnosed and were living with HIV/AIDS.

Currently the city follows the state and federally recommended abstinence only based curriculum which leaves out information regarding safe sex and STD testing. While the abstinence preferred program does help lower teen pregnancy rates in some areas, it does nothing to slow the spread of sexually transmitted infections. When this information is not taught in the classroom students and many parents do not realize that they are already at risk for contracting a STD.

Not all transmitted diseases are spread solely through penetration during intercourse, which means it is possible to contract one even if you are not active sexually. Adding to the risk is the fact that not all STDs display immediate symptoms making it possible to infect someone unknowingly.

Regular Herpes testing in Akron and  HIV testing in Akron is vital for your continued good health.

Conservative values are making it difficult for health officials to implement sexual education programs in the classroom, along with ensuring funding for community clinics and centers. The strong conservative beliefs also carry over into the religious community, which has resulted in teens and young adults having very little guidance when they are dealing with puberty and their sexuality. This is having an effect on the STD rates, as more teens begin to experiment sexually, without using protection.

The lack of funding and available clinics is also impacting lower income neighborhoods in the city. Already experiencing difficulties in being able to afford adequate health care, it is now even harder for these residents to find treatment. Stereotypes that surround many of the STDs can also prevent people to admit that they might need to get tested, especially younger men.

Teenage girls and young women often find it difficult to say “no”, which is contributing to the high birth rate among high school students.

Before you plan to spend the day at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens it is important that you take a few minutes to take care of your sexual health. The simple test only takes a few minutes, if you schedule confidential STD testing a local lab. One phone call will have you set up, there might even be a lab by the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad so you can ride the train line when you are finished.