Nevada ranked 21st among 50 states for number of HIV diagnoses in 2015.

“What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, right? Well, not if it’s an STD. Many STDs show absolutely no symptoms, but inside your body they actively work to destroy your immune system, and shut down your organs, nerves and muscles. Left untreated, they can cause permanent bodily harm or even death.

The Southern Nevada Health District is reporting a significant spike in sexually transmitted diseases from 2015 to 2016. Health experts point to a variety of factors, including more young people moving to Las Vegas, more young people finding it acceptable to have unprotected sex, and the rapid rise of dating and anonymous hookup apps.

“We’re seeing an increase in how people are able to connect with each other for sexual activities,” said Marlo Tonge with the Southern Nevada Health District.

Tonge says if you only have one partner, you should be screened once a year. If you have multiple partners, you should be screened every three to six months.

“I don’t consider (a condom) birth control,” said Dr. Dale Carrison, chief of staff at University Medical Center. “I consider it infection control. You get a new generation, and they don’t see these ads, and they’re going to have sex.”

It seems he and other experts are onto something. Young people ages 15-24 account for half of all newly reported STDs. Health officials say people need to have honest discussions with their partners about their sexual history and practice safe sex.

Private Testing Center strives to combat the climbing rates of STDs and HIV in the United States by offering convenient, affordable and discreet testing. We have over 2,000 labs across the U.S., including 20 in and around Las Vegas, Nevada.

You owe it to yourself to get tested and protect yourself and your loved ones from infection. Don’t leave this part of your life to chance — the only way to know for sure you have an STD or HIV is to get tested. Schedule a test with us today.