Free STD Testing in Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis and surrounding Marion County are experiencing rising 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 new HIV diagnoses isn’t enough for state and city leaders to understand the need for people to have routine 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.

Indianapolis does have community outreach programs designed to inform students and residents about how dangerous unprotected sex can be, the 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. Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is 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 you can get 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. HIV testing in Indianapolis is always important regardless of age and gender.

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 and a city’s STD rates are intertwined, and Indianapolis is no exception. Some religious and cultural beliefs can make it tough for some younger residents 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 there’s the possibility of running into someone you know at the clinics.

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, and Indianapolis is currently experiencing a minor epidemic. Statistics show that this might be one of the contributing causes to Syphilis and HIV cases, especially among Caucasian middle age men.

In between races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or visits to the state historical museum , you also want to get tested regularly for all of the sexually transmitted diseases. There are clinics in Indianapolis, but they’re not always convenient. Instead, call, schedule an appointment for confidential testing for all STDs. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes in the lab, and then you can watch the race.

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