Free STD Testing in Long Beach, CA

Statistics show that Long Beach is currently experiencing an increase in the number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases, and city health officials are worried that this will continue to rise.

While some city officials point out the some STDs appear to be decreasing among certain demographic lines, health experts are quick to point out the these rates are still well over the state and national average. This only emphasizes the importance of regular STD testing.

Statistics show that between 1990 and 2011 Gonorrhea infections decreased noticeably, but the number of Chlamydia diagnoses doubled during the same period. Primary and secondary Syphilis cases were also high, and men ages 25 to 44 were the most affected.

The same statistics also show that not enough is being done to educate Long Beach residents on the dangers of engaging in unprotected sex and other risky behaviors, and these percentages have health officials worried that the STD rates may be on the rise. In 2014 there were over 2,400 women diagnosed with Chlamydia, which brings the city’s percentage rate to 513.6.

Other statistics recently released only emphasis the importance of regular health checkups and some of these numbers include;

• Between 1990 and 2011 Chlamydia rates rose from slightly over 200 to 438.
• Women ages 15 to 24 have the highest rate of Chlamydia infections between 1990 and 2011.
• Statistics show that in 2011 that AIDS still affects more men than women, and males ages 30 to 44 were the most affected.
• African American men in 2011 had a percentage rate that was almost triple that of other ethnic groups.

Unlike many other states, California law requires all public schools to implement comprehensive sexual education programs in the classrooms. While abstinence is still stressed, it is not the only method students are taught to prevent STDs and health officials are starting to see an improvement in the number of teens who test positive for any of the sexually transmitted diseases.

While parental consent is still needed for students to actively participate in the sex education programs, the slight decrease in some STDs seem to show that these classes are working. Teen pregnancy rates also appear to be slowing down, which is another indication that education can help prevent the spread of STDs among students and young adults.

These sexual education classes are also helping to stress the importance of regular STD testing, along with helping students understand how these viral infections are spread. Teens are also beginning to realize that not all STDs are only transmitted through sexual activity, and some can be spread through casual contact. This makes it even more important to get tested regularly.

Herpes testing in Long Beach can not only prevent the virus from spreading, it can also help stop embarrassing flare ups. Regular HIV testing in Long Beach is also important for your health, especially since many of the symptoms are not noticeable until the disease has progressed to AIDS.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/

Demographics will always play a role in a city’s STD rate, and Long Beach is no exception. Age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and gender all play a role in STD percentages, along with income and cultural practices.

With the current crisis over the potential closing of some clinics, Long Beach residents are finding it more difficult to get tested regularly, and the long lines at some neighborhood health centers has many people deciding that they don’t need to wait for this important checkup.

Some teens and parents also find it difficult to discuss sex and the possibility of contracting a STD, which can also result in unwanted pregnancies and diseases. Certain religious and cultural beliefs discourage sexual activity before marriage, and the stigma associated with testing positive has many residents choosing to avoid this important step in taking care of your health.

Low income neighborhoods are also experiencing a shortage of STD clinics, and many families simply cannot afford to pay for regular testing. Lifestyle choices can also increase someone’s chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, and this is often true for men who test positive for Syphilis or HIV/AIDS.

The shame and embarrassment many Long Beach residents feel can make it difficult for them to get tested regularly, while others believe that simply using protection during intercourse is enough to keep them safe and healthy. Until everyone understands the risks associated with avoiding this important test, Long Beach health officials only expect the STD rates to continue to rise.

In between volleyball games on the beach and visits to the National Pacific Aquarium, it is also important to stop and take care of your sexual health. While there are community health centers in Long Beach, the fear of running into a familiar face and long lines have many residents looking for a better option. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call and only spend a 20 minutes at the local lab. It is a quick and easy way to prevent the spread of STDs, and it still leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the warm California sun.