Everything’s bigger in Texas, and this vibrant city is no exception. It’s important to remember that the city has seen a recent spike in the number of STDs like chlamydia and primary and secondary syphilis in the greater Dallas area in 2014, and one way to combat this statistic is to get tested. With one quick phone call or online visit, you can access an STD testing service that is quick, confidential and affordable. STDtest.com offers a simple, private and catered-to-you healthcare solution that’s local and cost-effective.
Home to the state’s pride and joy, the Dallas Cowboys, and brimming with plenty of Southern charm, Dallas is growing ever more popular as a tourist destination. It’s an up-and-coming city to see and be seen, whether it’s in the Arts District or enjoying some of the best BBQ Texas has to offer. Dallas also ranks within the top 3 counties in the state for highest reported cases of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services1. The city also has the highest number of people in the state living with HIV2. It’s important for Dallas residents to stay current with their health information and to get tested. There might be free clinics in the area, the process isn’t as quick or convenient as contacting STDtest.com. In just minutes, you’re on your way to booking a discreet, same-day appointment at a local lab.
While gonorrhea has statistically experienced a relatively flat growth trend, the state health department released a letter in 2015 revealing a documented increase in drug-resistant cases3. This information, released in December of 2015, is a cause for concern in the year to come.
Additionally, other common STDs are seeing an uptick in diagnosis since 2013. In Dallas County, the most commonly occurring STD is chlamydia, with 14,774 reported cases in 2014. What is particularly startling about this data is that the most common age range of people with chlamydia is 15-24. The disease is easily treatable, but most often presents with little to no symptoms. Periodic screening is essential for detecting and treating this common disease that impacts the lives of so many young people in Dallas, and this easy test is just a quick call away for anyone over the age of 18.
According the latest data from the HIV surveillance report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, there was a slight rise in HIV cases from 2013 to 2014, and in general has been seeing a periodic rise and fall over the past decade. The report also details that 58% of new HIV diagnoses were for people under the age of 35. After hitting a 5 year high in 2012,4 the trend of reported HIV cases is beginning to go down, but has yet to stabilize.
The majority of Texas, including Dallas schools, employs an abstinence-only sexual education policy. Texas law mandates9 that abstinence needs to be taught as the first and best choice when it comes to methods of sexual health and protection, even though STDs continue to affect a wide range of younger residents. The highest incidents of primary and secondary syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea all fall within the age range of 15-24. More females than males are affected in Dallas by both gonorrhea and chlamydia across the board, and it’s typically more males that are diagnosed with gonorrhea in the county.
The Dallas Independent School District is trying to make a difference by including more comprehensive sexual education, but there is still a long way to go in terms of a major improvement. The Texas Freedom Network is a coalition for statewide reform these practices. This is a very pressing issue for teachers, students and policy makers who can impact the lives and health of young people at risk. Zachary Thompson, the director of Dallas County Health and Human Services commented, “One thing that is crucial, everyone should be engaging in education around STDs and HIV.”5
It’s also crucial to encourage STD testing for other diseases that are potentially harmful or life-long like herpes. The more comprehensive the educational effort, the more empowered students and adults will be to take charge of their own better health and get tested.
There is a continuously high number of young people affected by sexually transmitted diseases. The crisis, detailed more concretely in the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Report8 represents a fraction of the challenge the Dallas metro area faces when it comes to testing and treating its community members with STDs. Most commonly, the groups facing the largest numbers are the African-American and Latino communities, when discussing HIV and other various diseases. As is a similar trend across the country, Dallas also sees a disproportionate number of HIV cases reported by African-American men.
Women have seen a marked increase in sexually transmitted infections over the past couple of years as well. According to information released by Dallas county, 25% of chlamydia infections were contracted by African-American women, and an additional 21% by members of the female Hispanic community in Dallas.5
It’s starting to become clear that a major barrier to better sexual health comes from a lack of education in schools. According to the Dallas County Health and Human Services, “While we’re for abstinence, abstinence programs alone aren’t working […] so it has to be complemented with curriculum-driven education, ISDs, parents and everyone being on board to make sure they have proper information.” That is the first place to start. Also, making testing options more available to the public and easier to contact will help to ensure that anyone who is looking to get tested has every opportunity to make that happen.
Don’t let a lengthy STD testing process shorten your trip to The Galleria or take time away from a leisurely walk along the Trinity River. STDtest.com is here to offer a convenient, cost-effective and helpful solution to help ensure your overall health. Take advantage of the opportunity to take a preventative test or to check up on your health in a way that works for you. Find a lab in your area and sign up to get tested now. It couldn’t be easier, and your health is more than worth it. Break down the barriers to healthcare with a simple step.