Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases can feel stressful, embarrassing or even shameful, but it doesn’t have to be. According to the CDC, all STDs can be treated and many can be cured, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis. However, left untreated, these common infections can evolve into far more serious medical issues, like pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and even infertility in women and epididymitis in men.^6-8 By not getting testing and delaying treatment, if needed, you’re putting your health at greater risk.

Stress less and enjoy more of Stockton’s fantastic foodie scene with this affordable, fast and discreet STD testing option. If you choose a local lab in your area from a network of thousands, you don’t need an appointment for same-day testing. If available in your area, Lab Collection Specialists can come to you to collect your blood or urine sample, adding yet another level of privacy. Results are usually available in three business days or less. A dedicated team of Care Advisors is available 7 days a week from 6 am to 10 pm to answer your questions and guide you each step of the way.

STD Test Statistics in Stockton, CA

Across the nation, four of the most commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases to local and state governments (as mandated by law) include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis (all stages), HIV and AIDS. Other common STIs include viral hepatitis B and C, trichomoniasis and herpes 1 & 2. The most commonly reported sexually transmitted condition in Stockton and the greater San Joaquin area is chlamydia, which saw an increase from 3,383 new cases in 2013 to 3,512 in 2014. Gonorrhea also saw a year-over-year increase according to the most recent reports published by the California Department of Public Health. In 2014, 985 new gonorrhea infections were reported compared to 947 the year before. Between 2012 and 2013, this infection saw a 24.4% increase in the Stockton and San Joaquin Valley population.^2&3

Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis reports far few number of infections in the metropolitan statistical area compared to chlamydia and gonorrhea, however, the risks of leaving this infection untreated can be severe, including ocular syphilis, neurosyphilis and congenital syphilis, a condition passed from mother to child than can cause birth defects or newborn death.⁹ In San Joaquin county, 88 new infections were reported in 2014 compared to 73 in 2013. Regarding the number of HIV infections reported in Stockton and its surrounding areas, 75 new infections were recorded in 2009 compared to 66 the year before.^4&5

STD Testing and Sexual Education in Stockton

In Stockton, San Joaquin County and the state of California, comprehensive sexual education is required by state law, with the latest revisions and implementations effective as recently as January 1st, 2016 under the California Comprehensive Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Act. According to the California Education Code, this type of sexual education is aims, “To provide a pupil with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect his or her sexual and reproductive health from unintended pregnancy and STDs [and] to encourage a pupil to develop healthy attitudes concerning adolescent growth and development, body image, gender roles, sexual orientation, dating, marriage, and family”, according to the language of the act. While abstinence can be presented as a method of prevention for STDs and unintended pregnancy, it is against code to teach “Abstinence-Only” sex ed in any California public school, including in the Stockton Unified School District.

In San Joaquin county, young people ages 15-24 account for 63% of all chlamydia infections.¹¹ In general, young people are at high risk for a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, accounting for nearly 10 million of the 20 million infections estimated annually in the United States. Knowing the facts, the risks, as well as options for testing and treatment is essential for sexually active young adults to stop the spread of STDs. Sometimes, the most common STD symptom is no symptoms at all, making it even easier to transmit infections from partner to partner without either one knowing.^12&13

STD Testing and Demographics in Stockton

Chlamydia is not the only sexually transmitted disease that adversely affects the youth population of the Stockton and San Joaquin County metropolitan statistical area. For example, 15-24 year olds reported 45.3% of all gonorrhea infections, as well as 21.8% of all primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis infections. Women often report higher numbers of chlamydia diagnoses than men across the country and San Joaquin County is no exception, with 71.2% of 2014 cases reported in women. The number of gonorrhea infections reported in men and women is nearly equal in this area, with 50.9% and 49.0% respectively. Higher numbers of primary and secondary syphilis cases are reported in men compared to women, with 80.7% of 2014 infections.¹¹

The racial and ethnic group distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in the area tends to differ slightly depending on the condition. In 2014, the Hispanic population of San Joaquin County accounted for 25.8% of all chlamydia infections, followed by African Americans with 15.75%. The racial/ethnic group with the highest percentage of gonorrhea infections is the Hispanic population, with 23.2%. In the instance of P&S syphilis, the most at-risk group for new infections is the Caucasian racial/ethnic group. One of the highest risk groups associated with the contraction and transmission of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus is men who have sex with men (MSM).^5&11

Your Best Stockton STD Testing Option

Why not spend more of your hard-earned free time on what you enjoy most, like a day with family and friends on the Stockton Marina, rather than feeling stressed and worried about your sexual health status? Get tested and you’re one step closer to peace of mind. It’s simple to get started. Begin by answering a brief medical questionnaire to receive your doctor-recommended panel of tests. From there, you’ll either select a lab nearest you from a national network of thousands, or, if it’s available in your area, you can schedule an appointment for in-home test sample collection. Both options take usually between 15 minutes and a half hour or less.

Once your test samples are collected, your results will be available usually in three business days or less. The medical team is available for a follow-up consult to discuss your diagnosis, answer any remaining questions you might have or even to prescribe treatment, if medically appropriate and if allowed by state law. Get tested. It’s for your better health.

References:

1 US Census Bureau Quick Facts – Stockton and San Joaquin County, CA
2 Chlamydia in California
3 Gonorrhea in California
4 Primary and Secondary Syphilis in California
5 San Joaquin County Community Health Status Report 2011
6 CDC – The Lowdown on STD Prevention
7 Health Risks of STDs for Women
8 Epididymitis
9 CDC – Syphilis Fact Sheet
10 Comprehensive Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS Instruction – California Department of Education
11 San Joaquin County – Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Early Syphilis Rates by Age Group (2014), Race/Ethnicity (2014), and Year
12 CDC – Youth bear disproportionate share of STIs
13 STD symptoms: Common STDs and their symptoms