The proportion of STD cases reported in Detroit and the greater Wayne County area account for the majority percentage of all infections reported in the state. For example, in 2014, Wayne County reported 31.92% of all chlamydia infections, 42.4% of all gonorrhea infections and 48.8% of all P&S syphilis cases statewide in Michigan. The counties following directly behind Wayne reported smaller percentages, like Kent county, the 2nd most affected county for gonorrhea infections, reported 8.2% of all infections in Michigan, compared to Wayne County’s 42.4.^2-4

Why not dedicate your free time catching a game at Comerica Park or spending time admiring the works at the Detroit Institute of Arts rather than waiting and worrying about STD testing options? You’ll breathe a sigh of relief when you learn that STD testing can be a quick, cost-effective and confidential process. Getting started is simple. By answering a few questions online, you’ll receive a doctor-recommended panel of tests. You can select a testing location from our nationwide network of labs, with options for same-day testing available. You will be notified of your results usually within three business days or less, and if you have any questions, regardless of your diagnosis, our medical team is available for guidance.

STD Test Statistics in Detroit, MI

Even though the population continues to decline in Detroit and it’s greater metropolitan area, lowering the number of infections for some diseases, like chlamydia. It most commonly reported STD in Metro Detroit, Wayne County and in the state of Michigan, and in 2014, numbers decreased from an average of 19,426.8 infections reported in 2009-2013 to 14,314 new cases.2 Another sexually transmitted disease on the decline, likely linked to the metropolitan area’s population decline, is gonorrhea. The average number of cases reported in Wayne county between the years of 2009-2013 totaled 7,089, compared to the 2014 numbers of 4,083.³ Contrary to chlamydia and gonorrhea statistical reports, the number of new primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis infections rose sharply in Wayne County in 2014, shifting from an average of 394.6 reported in 2009-2013 to 572 in 2014.⁴

According to reports from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ analysis of HIV in Detroit, the number of new infections since 2010 have remained stable, falling within the window of 250 and 300 new infections each year. 2014 numbers saw a decrease in the number of new infections, with Detroit Metro area residents reporting 255 in 2014 compared to 273 and 272 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.

STD Testing and Sexual Education in Detroit

As mandated by the Michigan state government, public schools are required to work with a member of the Department of Health to teach HIV/AIDS curriculum that is medically accurate and age appropriate. Only a medical professional who has experience with HIV/AIDS, or a staff member trained by a medical professional is permitted to instruct lessons on this topic, according to the state’s unabridged sex ed laws.⁶

Lessons on HIV/AIDS are mandatory in all Michigan public schools including Detroit, but there are no laws enacted that call for the expressed inclusion of sexual education in public school. Any sexual education in addition to HIV/AIDs awareness is elective and is not required by state law as a graduate requirement for high school students.⁶

Sexual education is then left to the discretion of local districts, making the discussion surrounding sexual health less than comprehensive. Knowing the facts about STDs, knowing the community resources to utilize in the event of unsafe sexual behavior and awareness of STD symptoms and treatment can lead to confusion and even a further spread of infection between teenagers and young adults in Detroit, Wayne County and statewide in Michigan.

STD Testing and Demographics in Detroit

In the Detroit metro area and Wayne County, the declining population rates led to decreases in the case of STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. The change in population, however, did little to alter the demographic trends seen across the nation in large metropolitan areas expressing themselves within the statistical analysis of the spread of STDs in Detroit.

The number of HIV infections, for example, disproportionately affects the African American population in the area, according to reports published by the Michigan Department of Public Health. A surveillance report released in July 2015 focused on data from the Detroit Metro area revealed that of the 2,695 reported cases of HIV, 89% of all infections were attributed to the African American population, compared to a reported 6% reported by the caucasian population. Men are demographically more likely to be diagnosed with HIV than women. Of the cases in Detroit in 2014, men accounted for 74% of all infections.⁵

Regarding chlamydia, the most commonly affected age group in Detroit and around the country is young women age 15-24. Of the 14,314 cases reported in 2014 in Wayne County, 10,325 were reported in women compared to 4,055 reported in men; a ratio of about 2.5:1. Gonorrhea typically sees a more even distribution between genders, and the Detroit/Wayne County stats speak to a 1:1 ratio, or 1,935 infections reported in men and 2,146 infections reported in women. In the instance of primary and secondary syphilis, which saw an increase in new cases in 2014 in the Detroit area, cases tend to skew more in favor of male infections. In Detroit and Wayne County, men accounted for 191 of 209 P&S syphilis cases, compared to 18 women. ^2-4

Getting tested is a simple method to help stop the spread of sexually transmitted disease. Many common infections present without any symptoms at all, making it more difficult to know if a partner is positive.

Your Best STD Testing Option in Detroit

Getting tested for STDs in Detroit should be simple, affordable and confidential. Spend less time stressing and more time focused on enjoying more leisure in your life at fantastic spots like Belle Isle. STDtest.com is a healthcare option that works with your schedule. Getting started is simple. Answer a few brief questions about your sexual health to receive your doctor-recommended panel of tests. Next, you’ll pick a testing option. You can choose the lab location that works best for you, no appointment needed with same-day testing available. If available in your area, you can can get tested at home, work or another convenient location with In-Home Collection that same day with only an hour’s notice.

For both options, your results will be prepared usually within three business days or even less. Once you receive your results, our medical team is available for follow up, any questions you may have or to prescribe treatment if appropriate or
allowed by state law. It’s that simple. Get tested. It’s for your better sexual health.

References:

1 US Census Bureau Quick Facts – Detroit City and Wayne County, MI
2 Chlamydia Cases and Rates by County Michigan Residents, 2004-2008, 2009-2013 and 2014
3 Gonorrhea Cases and Rates by County Michigan Residents, 2004-2008, 2009-2013 and 2014
4 Primary & Secondary Syphilis Cases and Rates by County Michigan Residents, 2004-2008, 2009-2013 and 2014
5 Annual HIV Surveillance Report July 2015
6 Current Revised School Code (PA 451 of 1976) and State School Aid Act (PA 94 of 1979) Provisions Regarding the Teaching of HIV/AIDS, Sex Education, Health Education, and Physical Education in Michigan Schools