Those who live closest to the EWR airport know that Jersey’s biggest city is much more than a stop-over point to Manhattan. Sure, the convenience of a bridge-and-tunnel access to the big city has it’s perks, but the slower pace of the Garden State is the perfect place for those who call it home. Newark is incorporated into the larger Essex County area, the county with the highest rates of STDs in the state of New Jersey. Of the the 37,657 total infections reported to the state of New Jersey Health department in 2014, Essex County accounted for 7,386 cases.
Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases in the Newark area is an important step in improving the communal health of the city. Don’t let excuses get in the way of getting tested. The embarrassment of visiting the doctor for an STD test or waiting for an undetermined amount of time at a free clinic. STDTest.com offers a testing service that is fast, confidential and affordable. Read on to learn more.
Newark residents can rest easier catching a game at Prudential Stadium once they know their STD status. From 2012-2014, the greater Essex County area has seen a rise in the number of STIs including chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhea, according to reports from the New Jersey Department of Health. 1-7 With Newark City’s population of over 280,000 people and the surrounding area (including Newark) of Essex County with around 800,000 people, it is the most populous area in New Jersey.8
While it’s statistics aren’t quite comparable with it’s neighbor New York, the Newark population still leads the pack when it comes to the number of infections in the state. Getting tested and treated when medically appropriate for STDs and receiving treatment makes a difference in the big picture of personal and community health. Getting started is simple. All you need to do is answer a few short questions starting here. By working with a network of thousands of labs across the nation, you can pick the location closest to you, no appointment required. That means the potential for same-day testing with the delivery of your test results usually within three business days or less. Waiting at a doctor’s office or at a free clinic can be time-consuming. Discover a different option with STDtest.com that’s more tailored to your schedule.
In 2015, it was reported that Newark and the greater Essex County area was 1st in the state for rate of people living with HIV/AIDS, with 1247.3 infections per 100,000 people. The numbers for new HIV continue to rise. In 2014, 6,538 new infections were recorded (from January to December 2014, compared with 6,663 reported from June 2014-June 2015.9-10 Other STDs are also on the rise in the Newark area. From 2012 to 2014, the number of new infections increased from 5,280 to 5,259 to 5,557, respectively. This increase makes it clear that testing for this infection is especially important.1-4 Chlamydia can be a “silent” disease in that it often presents with no symptoms. Periodic screening for anyone at risk helps to lower the rates of the disease, which can be cured by antibiotics.11
Gonorrhea saw a high number of infections in 2012, saw a decrease in 2013 and a slight increase in 2014 reported cases (1,965, 1448, 1,488; respectively). In Newark alone, 933 new cases were reported in 2014, compared to 1,228 in 2012. This decrease is an indication that the trend of gonorrhea infections has the potential to stabilize in the Newark City area. Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis have also shown an increase in the Newark, according to reports from the New Jersey Department of Health. In 2014, 54 new cases of P&S syphilis were reported compared to 44 in 2013 and 49 in 2012. 2-4
In the state New Jersey, “Family Life” is the name of the curriculum mandated by state laws in all public schools under its jurisdiction. Fundamentally, Family Life lessons should be comprehensive, medically accurate and age appropriate. Also, according to reports compiled by the National Conference of State Legislature, all material instructed in schools needs to be supported by current medical research.12-13
The New Jersey Department of Education reports that though the program is not “abstinence-only”, curriculum instruction falls under the umbrella of “abstinence-stress” as the most effective defense against teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. It is required by the state for all students grades 1-12 to take at least 150 minutes of health, physical or sexual education each year to meet requirements. By state law, all parents must be notified of sexual education lessons offered in school. In order for a student to be excused from sex ed, parents must provide a form of written consent. Topics covered under the guidelines of Family Life curriculum include methods of contraception, understanding abstinence and making choices to eliminate risky behavior.12
Taking steps toward preventive care is important when it comes to making impactful decisions. Knowing the risk factors and when to get tested is an important step in taking control over one’s sexual health.
In New Jersey and the greater Essex County area, the continued rise of sexually transmitted diseases sees a demographic distribution closely in line with trends witnessed across the country. In the state of New Jersey, minority groups account for 76% of HIV infections reported in adults, as well as 78% of all childhood and adolescent cases, and Essex County accounts for the largest number of HIV infections in the state. In Essex County, 33% of those living with HIV are female, compared to 67% male. The African American population accounts for 50% of all people living with HIV and AIDs in the county, and 64% of cases affecting women are reported in African Americans.9-10
The numbers of men and women affected by various sexually transmitted diseases can vary by infection type. For example, chlamydia statistically is reported by more women than men. Of the 5,557 cases reported in 2014 in Essex County, 3,948 were reported by women and 1,604 were reported by men. Gonorrhea can often occur in equitable gender distributions. Of the 1,488 cases diagnosed in 2014, 786 were reported by males and 706 reported by women. Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis is most commonly reported by men, and Essex county is no exception. In 2014, all 13 primary syphilis cases reported in Essex County were reported by men.7
Why not enjoy life in Newark to the fullest, instead of waiting and worrying about your sexual health? By selecting STDtest.com, you are a few short clicks away from a doctor-recommended panel of tests customized to your symptoms and circumstances. If you prefer to call, our dedicated team of Care Advisors is available seven days a week to help guide you through the process and answer any of your questions.
Once you know what to get tested for, you can choose a testing option. You can select the most convenient lab for you out of thousands nationwide for same-day testing is available without an appointment. 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, you’ll be notified of your test results in three business days or less. No matter the result, our medical team is available for a follow up consult to discuss your diagnosis or prescribe any treatment if appropriate and allowed by state law. Get tested. Your health is worth it.