The last time STD cases in California reached current case levels was the 1990’s.

Generally, you expect to see preventable diseases decline in advanced societies. Not so with some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in California, where STD rates in the golden state have reached a 20 year high. The three most commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases all saw an increase from 2014 to 2015 in California and San Diego County, according to data from the California Department of Public Health. And the total number of reported STD cases in California are rising faster then the rest of the country.

Young people, members of racial minorities and men who have sex with other men are at most risk of getting an S.T.D. Chlamydia rates are highest among 15-to 24-year-olds, who accounted for nearly two-thirds of diagnoses last year, and among blacks. While chlamydia disproportionately affects women, the rate of reported cases among men grew more sharply last year. Over all, the rate of reported cases grew by 5.9 percent.

Experts say there are a variety of factors for the sharp STD increase in California and the rest of the nation. Budget cuts have led to more difficult access to screenings and tests, while dating and anonymous hookup apps like Tinder have become more prevalent. And now that treatments for HIV have reduced it from a death sentence to a chronic disease, there isn’t as much pressure to use a condom and practice safe sex as there was a decade or two ago.

“We have reached a decisive moment for the nation,” said Jonathan Mermin of the CDC. “STD rates are rising, and many of the country’s systems for preventing STDs have eroded. We must mobilize, rebuild and expand services – or the human and economic burden will continue to grow.”

Private Testing Center strives to combat the rising STD and HIV epidemic by offering safe, affordable and discreet STD Testing in San Diego and across the nation. We have over 20 locations in and around San Diego, as well as 2,000 nationwide testing labs. Same day appointments are available with as little as 15 minutes notice, and the average lab visit wraps up in under a half hour.

There’s no reason to leave your sexual health to chance. Since many STDs carry no outward symptoms, the only way to know for sure if you have one — and may be inadvertently infecting your sexual partners — is to get tested. Call us today.