Free STD Testing in Provo, UT

As part of the Salt Lake City area this bedroom community is also dealing with a high rate of STD infections, according to recent statistics from the CDC. While gonorrhea rates in the area are following nationwide trends and decreasing slightly in males, Chlamydia diagnoses have risen to an all time high.

The recent statistics also show that these increases have been occurring over the last twenty years, and the data indicates that these numbers are expected to keep climbing. It is not only Chlamydia rates that are rising, but Syphilis infections are also becoming more common.

Young men are among those with the highest risk for contracting primary or secondary Syphilis, but older male residents are also testing positive more often. Women are still testing positive for Chlamydia with increasing frequency, and since it can take several days for any signs or symptoms to appear it is easy for them to unknowingly infect others.

Statistics also show that HIV incidents are slowing increasing, and young African American men are almost twice as likely to contract the disease as others. While all of these statistics have health officials concerned, it is the reemergence of Syphilis that has them talking about ways to ensure residents understand the importance of regular testing.

Some of the other statistics released by the CDC that residents in the city should be aware of include,

• In 2014 the Chlamydia rate rose to the highest in the state at 392.0 per 100,000 residents.
• Between 2005 and 2014 Chlamydia doubled in young women.
• The Gonorrhea rate in 2014 was 92.0 per 100,000 residents, with the majority of the diagnoses in young African American men.

Even though the state does not require public schools to teach comprehensive sexual education programs, officials are still reaching out to local residents. In an effort to curb the growing number of teens who test positive each year for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea city officials are implementing a non official sexual education program.

Even though the public schools still follow the guidelines set down in the state mandated abstinence based programs, there is now a way for students and their parents to get the information they need to protect themselves. Participants in the program are encouraged to ask questions in an effort to understand how STDs are spread.

City officials are beginning to realize that while abstinence is one of the most effective ways to prevent unplanned pregnancies, it does little to stop the spread of STDs. Once residents understand that not all STDs are spread strictly through intercourse, and that no one is immune to these diseases they are hopeful that they will start to see a decrease in the number of new cases reported each year.

Regardless of whether the program is a success it is still important for to have regular Herpes testing in Provo. It can not only prevent embarrassing flare-ups, it can also stop the spread of the virus in area schools. Regular HIV testing in Provo is also vital for continued good health, and this simple procedure could help save your life.

There are several demographical factors causing the STD rates to rise in this bedroom community that include religion and lack of education in the schools. Studies conducted by various groups across the country have shown conclusively that the best way to prevent the spread of STDs is to have comprehensive sexual education programs in the classroom. While the city has started a program outside of school, it is still not enough to significantly lower the area’s STD rates.

This lack of information also makes it difficult for health officials to convince everyone of the importance of regular STD testing, even if they feel that they are not at risk.

Religious beliefs are also contributing to the spread of STDs, even though parishioners are taught that they should abstain from sexual activity until marriage. While this will prevent unplanned pregnancies it will not protect residents from all STDs. There are also strong misconceptions still prevalent among religious leaders, which can make it difficult for teens and even adults to discuss any problems they might be having with their sexual health.

This can also lead to shame and embarrassment, and reluctance to be seen at a community health center. Until everyone understands that no one is immune from the dangers associated with STDs, the rates will continue to rise.

It is easy to forget that this bedroom community is currently dealing with a high rate of STDs, and that it also has some of the highest numbers in the state. With everyone in the community at risk, it has never been so important to be tested on a regular basis. Even though there are plenty of neighborhood clinics residents can take advantage of, many still choose to put off this important health test. Shame and embarrassment are two reasons, along with extremely long lines but this can be easily avoided with one simple phone call. This way you can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes in a local lab, without running into anyone you know.

Reference:

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705300740/Utah-has-record-numbers-of-STDs.html?pg=all