Free STD Testing in Indianapolis, IN

Recently released statistics show that Indianapolis and surrounding Marion County are experiencing a rise in the number of reported STDs. What is even more alarming is that the area reported a staggering 55 new cases of HIV during a three month period in 2015.

If the sudden increase in the number of new HIV diagnoses isn’t enough for state and city leaders to understand the importance of regular STD testing, health officials hope that the other alarming statistics while help stress the severity of the problem.

• In 2014 there were over 3,100 reported cases of Gonorrhea in Marion County and Indianapolis.
• Chlamydia rates for 2014 were reported at 1027.5. per 100,000 residents.
• Syphilis counts for Indianapolis were 135 in 2014

Statistics show that over the past twenty years the number of reported STDs in Indianapolis has declined and risen over time, which gives health officials hope that it is possible to improve the health of residents. From 2000 to 2005 the number of reported cases of HIV peaked at 228 in 2002, and decreased to 177 in 2005.

While the 55 positive diagnoses in a short 3 month period in 2015 indicates that the numbers of some STDs are on the rise again, health officials are confident that with regular testing the city will start to see these percentages start to decline again.

While the city of Indianapolis does have community outreach programs designed to inform students and residents about the dangers of unprotected sex, the public school system still promotes the federally funded abstinence only classes.

Even though this program may be more comfortable for some parents and educators it is leaving teens and young adults vulnerable. Not only are the increasing number of teenage pregnancies an indication that the abstinence programs are not effective, there is also the rising number of STD infections. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates are exceedingly high among women ages 16 to 24, and other sexually transmitted diseases are also growing.

Without proper education many teens and young adults also do not understand that it is possible to contract an STD without having sexually intercourse. Some of the viruses can be spread through casual contract, and others may not display any symptoms until others may have been infected.

Regular Herpes testing in Indianapolis is especially important for teens and adults, since the virus can be spread through contact. This can also help prevent embarrassing flare ups. HIV testing in Indianapolis is always important regardless of age and gender. It is not uncommon for the disease to not display any symptoms, and HIV can also be contracted without engaging in unprotected sex.

Without proper sexual education classes in schools, students will continue to be at risk and STD rates will keep increasing at an alarming rate. While abstinence can protect teens from many sexually transmitted diseases it is not 100 percent effective, and until students and adults understand all of the risks and dangers the city will continue to struggle with a high STD rate.

Demographics will always play a role in a city’s STD rates, and Indianapolis is no exception. Some religious and cultural beliefs can make it difficult for some teens and adults to admit that they are sexually active, and might be at risk for contracting a STD. This reluctance to discuss any potential risks or problems make it difficult for some people to get tested regularly, especially when the long lines at the clinics make running into a friend or family member possible.

Along with the shame and embarrassment some residents can feel, the costs of the tests can make it difficult for low income families to afford regular testing every few weeks.

Other demographical factors that are affecting the STD rates also include a shortage of clinics and community health centers, along with a growing number of residents who are addicted to certain painkillers.

Intravenous drug use has always been a major factor in the number of reported STD cases, and Indianapolis is currently experiencing a minor epidemic. Statistics show that this might be one of the contributing causes to the growing number of Syphilis and HIV cases, especially among Caucasian middle age men.

Until there is adequate information about the spread of STDs in the classroom and at neighborhood health clinics, Indianapolis will continue to experience at rise in the number of reported sexually transmitted diseases.

In between races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or visits to the state historical museum it is also important to get tested regularly for all of the sexually transmitted diseases. There are clinics in Indianapolis, but the long lines and possibility of running into someone they know has many residents searching for a better option. Now you can easily schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call, and only spend 20 minutes in the local lab. This lets you avoid the long lines and anyone you might know, while still making it possible for you to take care of your sexual health.

http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/STD_Counts_and_Rates_by_County%281%29.pdf