Charlotte has the 2nd highest rate of most common STD infections out of all U.S. cities.

HIV and STD cases are tragically on the rise in North Carolina. The state is ranked as having the second highest STD rate in America, with Charlotte in particular as the #2 city for the highest STD rates in the entire nation (second only to New Orleans). These factors went into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that STDs were at an “unprecedented high”.

An estimated 36,800 people live with HIV in North Carolina, with 3,400 unaware of their infection. And congenital syphilis, a preventable type of syphilis passed from the mother to a child during pregnancy, has increased by 63 percent from 2015.

“Young people in general tend to be more at risk for STDs like chlamydia because preventing them is so reliant on testing, and young people don’t always know how to go about getting testing and treatment,” said Elizabeth Finley, director of strategic communications with SHIFT NC. “We do see a disproportionate risk among African American women, they tend to have slightly higher rates than white or Hispanic women and a lot of that has to do with general access to healthcare.”

There are a number of ways that individuals can protect themselves and their partners from perpetuating the HIV and STD epidemic. These include correct use of a condom, and limiting or eliminating drugs and alcohol before sex.

But the only way to know for sure if you have an STD is to get tested. Many STDs are very treatable and even curable, but left untreated can cause irrepairable damage to your body. Furthermore, you can inadvertently spread the disease to your sexual partners, increasing the epidemic that ravages our nation.

Private Testing Center exists to offer convenient, affordable and discreet testing for HIV and STDs. We maintain over 15 lab testing locations within a 50 mile radius of Charlotte, so there’s guaranteed to be a location conveniently close to you. We offer same-day appointments, and the average lab visit takes just a few minutes. Our testing is completely confidential and our costs are among the most competitive in the industry. There’s no reason not to protect yourself and your loved ones. Schedule a Test and get answers today.