STD Testing Los Angeles

It has become an epidemic. Over the past two decades, the country has been battling the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. During the first several years of the campaign against STD, success seemed to be within reach. 

It is alarming that during the second half of the decade, STDs seem to be staging a comeback and we should address this with a sense of urgency.

STDs Are At Epidemic Levels In California

STDs in Los Angeles are breaking records. 

According to the California Department of Public Health, STDs have reached an epidemic level in the state. Reported cases in California have been at a record high from 2014 to 2018. Of the 58 counties of the state, Los Angeles ranks 9th on chlamydia, 4th on gonorrhea, and 13th on primary and secondary syphilis.  

Chlamydia ranks highest with 232,181 cases. This is over 56% more than 10 years ago. Syphilis has also increased. It is now more than at 25,344—that’s an increase of  265% while gonorrhea is at 211% increase with 79,397 cases.

Younger individuals between ages 15 to 24 comprise most of the infected population. Various social factors contribute to this distressing increase such as sexual promiscuity among teens, lack of proper sexual education, substance abuse, incarceration, and prostitution.

How Is One Infected?

STD infection is not exclusive to sexually active individuals. There are a lot of various ways you can get infected. Treponema pallidum, the bacteria causing syphilis, can be transferred via saliva during kissing. Unsterilized and recycled needles can transmit STDs during intravenous procedures. What’s worse is innocent newborns have high chances of acquiring their parent’s illnesses.

STDs Can Be Cured

Yes, STDs are treatable. Antibiotics can cure syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and bacterial STDs. However, viral STDs cannot—you can only manage its symptoms with the right medication. If left untreated, it can have adverse health implications. 

If you have the slightest inkling that you may be infected, make an appointment and get yourself tested. It’s the only way to know for certain what next steps to take.