STD Testing Houston

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are on the rise in the United States and Houston mirrors with a sustained increase.

Chlamydia saw a 22% increase from 2014 to 2017, while gonorrhea and syphilis rose 67% and 76% respectively across the nation.

Harris County Has Highest STD Cases

According to the Texas Department of Health Services, Harris County ranks number one in the country in terms of STD reported cases. In 2017, there were over 20,000 chlamydia cases, 8000 gonorrhea cases, and 2800 syphilis cases, putting Dallas in second place.

During the first half of 2018, Chlamydia cases were at 14,265 compared to 13,566 during the same months of 2017. Gonorrhea on the other hand rose from 4,296 to 4,522.

STD prevention campaigns during the 90s seemed to have shown promising results and for several years, the country has seen a decline in reported cases. But the current numbers are alarming.

CDC also reports that there is a shocking increase in newborn deaths from 77 in 2017 to 94 in 2018 due to congenital diseases resulting from STDs.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

While it is true some STDs can be cured, prevention is still key. There are vaccines that can help protect you from certain viruses that cause STD. If you are sexually active, it is best to get this vaccine.

You can also refrain from having unprotected sex. If you have multiple sex partners, make sure to use proper protection such as latex condoms. A lot of Americans, especially those from the younger generation, are sexually active and having unprotected sex contributes to the comeback of STD cases. 

Note that a person with STD is more easily infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. So if you think there’s a chance you might have STD, get yourself tested. Don’t wait for things to get too late. An accurate,reliable and confidential laboratory test will give you the piece of mind you need.