Free STD Testing in Hollywood, FL

Located in Broward County this sunny city is seeing a significant increase in the number of STDs reported each year, and statistics seem to indicate that this trend has been occurring for the last twenty years.

Each year the number of residents who test positive for a sexually transmitted disease has increased significantly, and this includes the rates for Syphilis and HIV/AIDS. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea incidents have also risen noticeably over the last two decades, especially in teens and young adults. While this is not particularly surprising to health officials, they were startled by the large number of older men and women who are also testing positive for a sexually transmitted disease.

The number of men who are diagnosed with Chlamydia or Gonorrhea is also on the rise, especially among African American and Caucasian males. More Hispanics are also contracting sexually transmitted diseases, which is also surprising considering their traditional views on abstinence and sex before marriage.

As the number of residents who test positive each year continues to rise above state averages, it becomes even more important to get screened for all of the sexually transmitted diseases on a regular basis.

Some of the statistics that is causing concern among health officials includes,

• 1993 saw Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis rates well below state averages, compared to those reported in 2014 that had climbed significantly higher.
• The STD rate for the county in 2014 was reported at 608.03 compared to the state average of 531.53 for Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
• In the three year period from 2007-2009 the rate of STDs each year was 507.10 compared to 608.03 in 2014.

Even after studies have shown that abstinence only programs are not effective at reducing STD rates among teens and young adults, many public schools still rely on these outdated classes. While abstaining from sexual activity until marriage will prevent pregnancy, it will not stop the spread of all STDs.

With the rate of sexually transmitted diseases soaring out of control, many parents, educations and even state officials agree that something needs to be done to protect the area’s youth and older residents. This has lead to some discussion regarding the implementation of comprehensive sexual education classes, but will talks are continuing the number of STDs reported each year continues to grow.

Some public schools have taken it upon themselves to implement their own medically accurate and comprehensive programs, and these districts have seen a decrease in the number of STDs reported among students each year. Not only are students learning how to protect themselves if they choose to become sexually active, but the classes also cover how regular testing can help stop the spread of STDs. This includes regular Herpes testing in Hollywood, which is also the most effective way of stopping the virus from spreading through area schools. Regular HIV testing in Hollywood is also critical if you want to be sure that you are healthy, and the simple procedure could also help save your life.

This sunny city has several demographical factors which are contributing to the continually increasing number of STDs reported each year, and one is its beautiful location. Situated along miles of coastline, the sandy beaches, warm weather and friendly year round residents bring in thousands of visitors annually to the city, and many are already infected with a STD when they arrive in town.

Along with the large number of yearly visitors, the city’s residents are also contributing to the problem. Many simply put off testing due to a shortage of community health centers and the long lines that are common in the few that are open to the public. Along with not wanting to deal with long waits many residents simply cannot afford to be tested on a regular basis, and budget cuts that went into effect in previous years has eliminated many of the programs that were designed to help lower income families afford STD screening.

These same budget cuts also eliminated many health care professional jobs, which has led to a shortage of qualified personnel. As long as there is a problem with funding and finding professionals that are able to perform the STD test, the beachside city will continue to see high STD rates.

Other factors that are also causing STD rates to rise include an increase in illicit drug use among older adult males, along with a general belief that HIV/AIDS is no longer a life threatening problem.

It can be easy to forget to take care of your sexual health when all you want to do is hit the beach, but with STD rates on the rise it is important to take a few minutes and get tested for all of the sexually transmitted diseases. If you want to avoid the line lines and possibility of running into someone you know you can schedule confidential STD testing at a nearby lab with one quick and easy phone call. The simple test only takes twenty minutes or so to perform, and it is relatively painless compared to other procedures and you will still have plenty of time to work on your tan down at the beach.

Reference:

http://news.ufl.edu/archive/2007/11/sex-education-in-florida-schools-varies-widely-not-available-to-all-students.html

http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/news/broward-county-has-the-second-highest-aids-rate-in-florida-7089859