Known for it’s legendary Mardi Gras celebrations and “letting the good times roll,” New Orleans culture is centered around having a great time. When it comes to sexual health in NOLA, staying informed should be at the top of anyone’s list who is at risk for an STD. In 2013, 34% of all new HIV infections were reported in the New Orleans metro area.

With STD rates continuing to rise in the New Orleans metro area, getting tested for STDs is a crucial step in improving the sexual health of the parish. Waiting weeks or even months for a scheduled doctor’s visit or showing up at a free clinic as a walk-in might not be the most convenient option. For personalized healthcare that puts your considerations first, STDTest.com could be the STD testing option you’re looking for.

STD Test Statistics in New Orleans, LA

Of the 20 metropolitan areas with the largest STD rates in the country, 95% of them are located in the south. The rise of STDs in New Orleans aligns with this trend and is a troubling issue for the overall health of the community. Louisiana was ranked 3rd in the nation for primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis locations, and New Orleans accounts for the highest number of cases in the state, according to the June 2015 HIV/AIDS/Early Syphilis surveillance report released by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.³

In 2013, New Orleans reported 6,784 new infections of chlamydia, a 5% increase from the year before. This accounted for the highest amount of cases reported that year in the state of Louisiana. In the case of gonorrhea, while the state average of new reported cases decreased by 2% in 2013, the rate the New Orleans metro increased by 3%, totaling 2,156 cases.¹

In 2014, 471 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in the New Orleans metro area, an increase from 439 in 2013. ^2&3 With evidence of reportable STD cases on the rise and estimates that reach levels much higher than the national average, prevention and testing are essential in working toward the goal of a healthier New Orleans. If you have never been tested, are at risk or have recently been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection, it’s recommended to get tested as soon as possible.

STD Testing and Sexual Education in New Orleans

No sexual education is required in classrooms by Louisiana state law. If any curriculum is administered, it must adhere to the guidelines of “abstinence only” in reference to marriage and as a preventive measure for sexually transmitted disease.⁴ The high rankings of STD infection in New Orleans prompted members of the Louisiana legislature to draft a bill in support of comprehensive sexual education in the Orleans parish area. As of 2015, the bill was reviewed but failed to pass a vote in the Louisiana House of Representatives and has been tabled for further review as of May 2015.⁵ This lack of further education is a hindrance to the lowering of STD rates, as one of the highest affected demographics affected are young people age 15-24.

An inability to open the dialogue about prevention and testing stands to perpetuate the problem of rising STD rates. Access to proper preventive care and regular testing are proven methods to decrease the amount of STDs reported in a given area. For young people who are looking for a convenient option, STDTest.com offers a solution that is discreet and private (however, it is not anonymous). Ordering a test when at risk of having been recently exposed to an STD can make all of the difference in getting treated or even cured before any more pressing medical issues arise. Don’t be ashamed of taking action for your health. Get tested.

STD Testing and Demographics in New Orleans

New Orleans experiences a drastic disparity in demographics affected by sexually transmitted diseases, a disparity seen across Louisiana and in the majority of states across the country. In 2014, 64% of the new HIV were reported by members of the African American community, as were 76% of new P&S syphilis cases diagnosed in 2015 in the New Orleans metro area.³ Of the 6,784 cases of chlamydia reported in 2013, 5,279 were reported by African Americans, representing one of the largest STD demographic group disparities in the state. According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, over 85% of all gonorrhea cases reported in 2013 belonged to the African American demographic. In 2014, it was reported that the overall African American population of Orleans Parish (New Orleans).⁶

Other demographic groups at risk for infection are men who have sex with men (MSM). In a trend that exists around the nation, this is the highest risk group for HIV/AIDS infection in the greater New Orleans area. 73% of the new infections in 2014 were attributed to the MSM group.³ Women are particularly susceptible to chlamydia, an STD that can be passed along with little symptom expression. Of the 6,784 cases reported in 2013, 5043 were reported by women.²

Many STDs present without any symptoms. Avoiding more serious medical consequences and passing the infection along to a partner without knowledge can be avoided by periodic STD testing. How do you know if you should get tested? If you’re sexually active and you’ve never been, if you have multiple partners currently or within the past year or if you have concerns about recent exposure to an STD, now is the time. Knowing your results is not only important for your sexual health, but improves the health of the community.

Your Best New Orleans STD Testing Option

Save yourself some stress about your sexual health and get tested. STDTest.com is a healthcare option, unlike visiting the doctor’s office or a free clinic, tailored to your specific availability and needs. Get started by answering a few questions to determine the doctor-recommended panel of tests for you. Testing consists of a local lab visit, often 30 minutes or less or an at-home, work or testing at another location of your choice with In-Home Collection. You’ll be notified of your results in usually three business days or less. Our medical team is then available to answer any questions you have about your diagnosis and can prescribe treatment, if appropriate and permitted by state law.

References:

1 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Louisiana 2013 Annual Report
2 2013 STD/HIV Surveillance Report State of Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health
3 Louisiana HIV, AIDS and Early Syphilis Surveillance Quarterly Report June 30, 2015
4 Louisiana Public Health Institute – Sexual Health Education in Louisiana
5 Sex Education Bill HB359
6 African American, White, and Hispanic Population of Orleans Parish