Free STD Testing in Hartford, CT

The majority of the STD testing centers, hospitals and physicians clinics regularly provide information that is collected regarding STD testing results to the Center for Disease Control. They do this so analysts at the center may put the data into reports that help them to determine which groups of people are the most at risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases. Personal information such as name and address is not shared so each client can be assured that their confidentiality and privacy is strictly maintained. The following information provides an overview of the number of cases of STDs which have been reported in the area per 100,000 in population.

• Chlamydia- 355
• Gonorrhea- 79.1
• Syphilis – 3.7

This report is limited to the cases which have been confirmed through STD testing in the area. Health professionals believe that the actual numbers would be much higher if everyone who is at risk would get tested. Some STDs show few or no symptoms in their first stages so a person may be infected and spreading the disease to others, without being aware of it. Health care professionals and government health department officials know that the problem is widespread. They also realize that action must be taken to slow down the spread of STDs in the Hartford area.

The only way to know for certain if a person has a sexually transmitted disease with is through STD testing. Because the number of cases in young people who are ages 15 to 19 is increasing, authorities have taken steps to deal with the situation. Sexual health education for students is the first step. Mandatory sex health education classes have been scheduled into the standard public school curriculum. It is delivered at the age that is believed to be just prior to when some of these youth may begin to experiment with sexual activity. It is hoped that this strategy will give students necessary knowledge about the dangers of unsafe sex. Students in Hartford are given the facts about STDs and information about where to go for a Herpes test or HIV testing if they suspect that they may be at risk for an STD.

There are neighborhoods that are high poverty in the area. It is believed that people with low income status are at a higher risk for contracting an STD infection than those from higher income areas. This is because of the tendency for people without adequate financial resources to have fewer opportunities for sexual health education, and in addition, they are less likely to have the funds to seek testing and treatment.

The reports for this area show that Chlamydia infection is the highest among females in the 20 to 24 age group, followed by those in the 15 to 19 group. Blacks have the highest number of positive test results, followed by Hispanics and then Whites. Females still have rates that are nearly double those of males, but the data gathered from the past ten years shows that there is a rising rate among males for Chlamydia infection, and the ages are getting younger.

Higher numbers of women test positive for Gonorrhea than for men. The group that is age 20 to 24 shows the highest numbers. Blacks are highest in positives followed by Whites, then third, Hispanics. The trends show that more women are testing positive for Gonorrhea in recent years.

The earlier stages of Syphilis, primary and secondary are seen most often in males with far fewer women testing positive. The rates for these infections are farily low among female populations with Black males having the highest incidences of positive test results. Although Syphilis is an issue in Hartford, the reports show that the numbers in this region are significantly lower than in many neighboring communities. This is one bright spot in the overall picture.

There are quite a few STD clinics in the area, but some people still do not know that they are there. Getting the word out to the public is an issue that is being addressed though sponsored outreach programs. Some with limited incomes may have difficulty obtaining free or reduced rates if they seek help at a time when the funding cycle has been depleted. These are a few of the obstacles which can stand in the way of getting tested, however; there are usually resources available for most of the funding year. It just takes a phone call to set up the appointment, and a brief visit to a testing lab.

If you think that you may be at risk for having an STD infection, it is strongly recommended that you get tested as early as you can. Testing is easy to order and the entire process will take just a few moments of your time. You’ll be met by friendly lab technicians who are there to assist you in getting your confidential STD testing done. They will also answer any questions that you may have about the process. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to ensure that you have the best possible health.