Free STD Testing in Toledo, OH

Recently released statistics show that Toledo and surrounding Lucas are currently dealing with a high STD rate, and health officials are worried that this trend will continue.

For the past twenty years the number of reported STDs in the city and county have been rising at an alarming rate. While some city officials have pointed out that these statistics also show that some sexual transmitted diseases appear to be on the decline, health experts are quick to mention that the area’s STD rate is still higher than the state averages.

Health officials also worry that the STD rates will continue to rise as more teens and older adults become and stay sexually active, especially if they are not getting tested regularly.

While statistics show that Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates do seem to be declining slightly between 2013 and 2014, the number of Syphilis diagnoses has increased in recent years. Not only are teens and young adults at risk of contracting this potentially deadly STD, but statistics show that older men also have a higher chance of testing positive for primary or secondary Syphilis.

Some of the statistics that have officials convinced that not all residents understand the importance of regular STD testing include;

• In 2010 there were 2,756 incidents of Chlamydia compared to 2,606 diagnoses in 2014.
• While Gonorrhea cases were reported at 1,192 in 2012, regular testing and prompt treatment brought the number down to 996 in 2013.
• Syphilis incidents rose to an alarming 53 new diagnoses in 2014 compared to a relatively low 17 cases reported in 2010.

One of the most effective methods of preventing teen pregnancies and the spread of STDs is to implement comprehensive sexual education programs in the city schools. While Toledo is seeing a slight drop in its STD rates, most of this is due to community outreach programs geared for young adults and not education students might have received in schools.

Unfortunately the city’s public school system follows the federally funded abstinence only program which can help lower the teen pregnancy rate, but it is not effective at preventing the spread of STDs. Without education classes in the schools many students and their parents won’t understand the importance of regular STD testing even if they are not engaging in sexual activity.

Not all STDs are passed solely through intercourse, and not all sexually transmitted viruses immediately show noticeable symptoms. It is possible to infect someone, even if you do not realize you are infected. When teens do not receive this critical information STD rates commonly rise.

This is why it is important for regular Herpes testing in Toledo since this virus can be easily passed through casual contact. Regular HIV testing in Toledo is also critical for your continued good health, and it can even save the life of someone you love.

Demographics will always play a role in a city’s STD rates and this includes social economic factors, along with age, gender and religious beliefs.

Part of the reason Toledo is seeing a small decrease in the number of reported STDs is health officials are finding it easier to inform residents of the importance of regular STD testing.

While teens are becoming sexually active younger, a more relaxed attitude with their parents has made it a little easier to discuss the dangers associated with unprotected sex. Even though this is helping to protect the sexual health of teens and some young adults, it is not enough to bring the STD rates below state averages.

With adults living longer and staying sexually active well into their eighties, health officials have a new demographic to worry about. Many older adults simply aren’t comfortable discussing their sexual activities, and this can cause them to put off regular STD testing. This can also cause older adults to contract and test positive for more than one sexually transmitted disease at a time.

Other demographical factors that are affecting the city’s high STD rates includes a lack of community health centers, and an inability for some lower income families to be able to afford regular testing. The shame and embarrassment that accompanies some sexually transmitted diseases can also make it difficult for health officials to reach all of the city’s residents.

Until everyone understands how STDs are transmitted the same stereotypes will surround these viral infections, and residents will continue to avoid regular health screenings causing incidents rates in the city to rise.

Before heading out to a Mud Hens baseball game or taking a stroll through the Toledo Botanical Gardens, it is important to take ca few minutes and take care of your sexual health. There are community health centers in the city for residents to take advantage of, but the long lines and fear of running into a familiar face has many people searching for a better alternative. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one quick and easy phone call and only spend 20 minutes or so at the local lab, which still gives you plenty of time to spend the day boating on Lake Erie or fishing on the Maumee River.

Reference:

http://www.wtol.com/story/21722594/rising-std-rate-in-northwest-ohio

http://www.toledoblade.com/assets/pdf/TO16999417.PDF