Albuquerque is one of the most popular cities in the Southwest and showcases a stunning variety of natural beauty paired with cuisine that spices up even the pickiest of palates. It’s the hub of New Mexico that is both steeped in tradition yet exhibits a modern feel. STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea on the rise across New Mexico, staying healthy in Albuquerque and the greater Bernalillo County area could mean getting STD testing.1 For anyone at risk, especially those who have had more than one partner in the past year or is currently with a partner who tested positive, it’s a matter of better health to get tested and treated if necessary. Getting tested at your primary care physician’s office can require an appointment made weeks in advance and the waiting rooms at free clinics can sometimes be crowded. STDtest.com offers a different option providing industry-standard medical care, delivered in a way that is fast, affordable and tailored to your schedule.
Albuquerque and the greater Bernalillo County area is home to over 675,000 people.2 Relieving the stress around STD status for ABQ residents can be a simple as taking a test. Don’t let any preconceived notions or stigmas stand in the way from taking control of your sexual health. STDtest.com is a service that offers same-day, walk-in testing at a network of labs across the country. After a 15 minute visit, test results are available usually within 24 to 48 hours. In the meantime, why not take advantage of one of Bernalillo County’s gems, like taking a journey on the Sandia Peak Tramway? Once your results are in, the medical team is available to consult and answer your questions.
Looking at reports published by the New Mexico Department of Health, the rate of chlamydia in New Mexico exceeds that of the national average, which affects the greater Bernalillo County and other surrounding New Mexico locales. Other sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea and primary and secondary syphilis are nearly in line with the US average, but slightly below.1 One method to keep trends moving downward is periodic or yearly STD testing for anyone at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, anyone who has been with more than one partner in the past year, anyone sexually active who has never been tested before, those with partners who have tested positive, as well as those who exhibit STD-like symptoms. Getting tested is the most definitive way to determine your status. Not only is it important for you personally, getting tested and treated helps to improve community health as a whole.
Chlamydia is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, and continues to increase, according to the most recent reports issued by the New Mexico’s Indicator-Based Information System (NM-IBIS).4 Bernalillo County ranks 3rd for the number of total chlamydia infections in the state, preceded by McKinley and Dona Ana counties. From 2010 to 2011, the rate of chlamydia in the Albuquerque and Bernalillo area increased from 423.6 infections per 100,000 residents to 457.6/100,000. The rate of gonorrhea remained stable in Bernalillo County in 2013 was reportedly 150 per 100,000 cases in the region. Primary and secondary syphilis is reported in far fewer numbers compared to chlamydia and gonorrhea.1&3 If left untreated, syphilis can lead to major medical issues in the form of ocular syphilis, neurosyphilis and congenital syphilis. In 2014, 15/100,000 was the rate of cases per 100,000 residents of primary and secondary syphilis reported in Bernalillo County, compared to 11/100,000 the year before.1&5
New Mexico ranks 34th in the nation for the number of reported HIV cases and the numbers continue to fluctuate. In 2013, the rate of HIV rate of infection was 8.5/100,000, compared to 6.9/100,000 the year before. In 2011, the infection rate was 8.1/100,000.3 This uptick in HIV infections in New Mexico is concerning. Many sexually transmitted diseases present without any symptoms, making it even easier to transmit the infections between partners without knowing it. Getting tested removes any questions about STD status, and paves the way for a healthier future.
In compliance with mandates put forth by New Mexico state law, Albuquerque and Bernalillo County schools present an age-appropriate, medically accurate, comprehensive sexual education curriculum. The aim of the lessons are to provide students with the knowledge and decision making skills centered around common sexual health topics like HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted disease facts and prevention, contraception and other methods to avoid teenage pregnancy, as well as the notion that abstinence from sex exists as the only 100% effective method of STD and teen pregnancy prevention. With a well-rounded presentation of the facts, risks and dangers, students are offered a safe space to discuss and determine how to best make healthy choices and forge authentic, healthy relationships.7
A positive impact of comprehensive sexual education is seen in the lowering teenage birth rate witnessed in Bernalillo County. From 2000 to 2014, the rate dropped by 48%, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. This is in stark contrast to the state ranking #1 in the country for the percentage of children and young adults living in poverty, which often serves as a contributing factor to the rise of teen pregnancy.8 Continuing to educate students about their better health and the school and community resources available, including STD testing for anyone at risk, is an effective way to encourage declining teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease rates.
In the state of New Mexico, the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease is chlamydia, and one of the population demographic groups it affects most adversely is women, both in the area and across the country. In 2013, an infection rate of 849.7/100,000 was reported in women compared to a rate of 310.3/100,000 in males, The prevalence of gonorrhea in New Mexico sees less of a disparity between men and women, with males accounting for a higher rate of cases than females, reporting 106.7/100,000 and 78.3/100,000 respectively. Males are almost three times as likely to contract primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis than women, with a rate of 58/100,000 in comparison with 20/100,000.
The American Indian/Alaska Native population in Albuquerque accounts for some of the highest rates of infection for chlamydia and primary and secondary syphilis. This minority population accounts for a 864.2/100,000 rate of chlamydia infections. Other racial/ethnic groups that are adversely impacted by the spread of STDs are African Americans, posting the most significant rate of gonorrhea infections in 2013 at 250.8/100,000.
Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases is the most effective way to be assured of your sexual health status and to slow down their spread throughout the Albuquerque and Bernalillo County community.
Stress less and enjoy life in Albuquerque more by letting STDtest.com guide you step-by-step in sexually transmitted disease screening process. This fast, confidential and affordable service offers healthcare catered to your schedule. Start by choosing the tests that are right for you. Then choose the local lab nearest you for a brief (15 minutes or less) visit to collect test samples, no appointment needed. Get tested today to take charge of your sexual health.