Free STD Testing in Huntsville, AL

Recently released statistics for Huntsville and surrounding Madison County show that STDs in the area are rising.

While health officials weren’t shocked to see that Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections were on the rise in teens and young adults, they were by the number of residents who tested positive or were already living with HIV. Adult males with primary and secondary Syphilis is also causing concern among health professionals.

With African American males still presenting the highest risk of contracting HIV and more women than ever testing positive for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, it has never been so important to get checked regularly for any of the sexually transmitted diseases.

• In 2009 Madison County had a HIV incident rate of 11.6 per 100,000 residents which climbed to 13.5 percent in 2011.
• Men and women ages 15 to 24 have the highest risk of contracting a STD according to statistics released in 2013.
• There were a total of 773 incidents of Syphilis, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea reported in the county and city in 2013.
• Men and women ages 20 to 24 accounted for over 70 percent of the Chlamydia infections in 2013.

Even though statistics show that when there are comprehensive sexual education programs in area schools the number of STD infections reported each year does decrease, the city of Huntsville still relies on the federally sponsored abstinence only classes to protect students.

As more students each year become sexually active, their risk of contracting an STD significantly increases. Without comprehensive programs in place to educate teens about the dangers and risks associated with unprotected sex the city can expect its STD rates to continue to rise.

While proponents for the abstinence based programs point out that it is the best way to prevent teen pregnancies, and this might be true, it does nothing to stop these diseases from spreading.

Not all STDs are transmitted strictly through penetration occurring during intercourse, and some venereal diseases can only be detected through regular testing.

This is why it is important for teens and adults to receive regular Herpes testing in Huntsville, since this virus can be easily spread through casual contact. The simple procedure can not only stop the disease from infecting other students, it can also help prevent future flare-ups. Regular HIV testing in Huntsville is also critical for continued good health, and this important checkup could potentially save your life.

The demographics of a city plays an important role.

This city has a broad demographical makeup that includes a wide range of incomes and cultural beliefs. The city also has a distinctly conservative attitude along with strict religious beliefs, resulting in an  inability for some people to to discuss their sexual activity with others, also makes it difficult for some residents to receive regular STD testing.

Stereotypes are still associated with many of the sexually transmitted diseases, which makes it especially difficult for some men to been seen at a clinic for STD testing. As long as these myths and misconceptions persist, the city will continue to have some of the highest rates of transmittable diseases in the state.

Statistics also show that older residents are staying healthy and sexually active longer, which is increasing their chances of contracting an STD. Until everyone realizes how important it is to practice safe sex and get tested regularly, the city will continue to have some of the highest reports of STDs in it’s state.

Mobile STI testing is an option, but it’s not your only one. There are clinics nearby that offer affordable STD testing, and the process is anonymous. Even without insurance. You can be tested in a discreet environment, and your results will be delivered privately.