STD cases were at a record-high before the pandemic hit. When many states and cities experienced lockdown, sexual health clinics closed down. Testing kit resources were rerouted to COVID-19 testing kits. Primary care physicians and hospitals turned away non-emergent cases.
But just because testing has been hard to come by doesn’t mean STDs have gone away. In fact, the CDC estimates tens of thousands of undetected STD cases roaming the United States from the COVID-19 health restrictions.
What does this mean for you?
It’s important to still get regularly tested for STDs to both stop the spread of STDs and to eliminate future health effects. The CDC recommends testing for:
- “All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
- All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
- All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B starting early in pregnancy. At-risk pregnant women should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Testing should be repeated as needed to protect the health of mothers and their infants.
- All sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested at least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently for STDs (i.e., at 3- to 6-month intervals).
- Sexually active gay and bisexual men may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
- Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.”
Watch this video to learn the importance of STD testing:
Private Testing Center is here to help with all your testing needs. We offer affordable and convenient testing in a constant effort to prevent the spread of Herpes, HIV and other STDs. We deliver fast results so any necessary treatment can happen quickly. Same Day appointments are available and with over 1500 locations nationwide, your closest location is only a short drive away. We understand your privacy is of the utmost importance and we assure confidentiality for every one of our customers.