Preferred Location: 1702 Hwy 181 North, Ste B-12 Portland,TX 78374 Winters Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1702 Hwy 181 North, Ste B-12 Portland,TX 78374 Winters Change Location
As the second largest state in the nation you would expect things to be bigger in Texas, but this does not have to include the rate of sexually transmitted disease. From the hills covered with Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush, to the dusty deserts of the Rio Grande valley the great state of Texas is facing a potential STD epidemic.Texas is famous for the Alamo and the lazy Rio Grande River. It boasts rolling hills covered with wildflowers and giant agave cacti in the deserts. The climate in TX is just as varied as the population, but this diverse state is also facing an alarming increase in the reported cases of STDs. This unfortunately includes Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis B and C, along with HIV and Aids. These sexually transmitted diseases do not differentiate between different ethnicities, which makes it vital for everyone in Texas to schedule regular STD testing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2ย provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.ย
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.ย
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.ย
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.ย
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed between 12noon-1pm. STD clinics are conducted by appointment only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed from 12noon-1pm
The CDC and TX government have both released the statistics for 2013, and the reports show that the number of reported cases is climbing. Thanks in part to recent state budget cuts to the health care programs, experts are predicting these statistics to rise. The sexually transmitted diseases that health care professionals are most concerned about include Syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. This is disappointing for some counties that recently reported a significant decrease, and frightening for Jefferson and El Paso counties which are already ranked among the highest in the state.
The newspaper went on to report the following statistics in hopes of making its residents realize the importance of schedule a regular visit to a Texas STD clinic.
- TX ranked 11th in the nation on 2013 for its high percentage of STDs.
- There are an estimated 129,861 cases of Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea patients numbered around 33,835.
- Tests results for Syphilis were slightly better with 1,475 reported.
When these numbers are compared with the averages for other states, it is easy to see why health care workers are so concerned. What else is worrying is that these are only rough estimates, and only cover 3 of the over 25 infectious sexually transmitted viruses. When the number of reported cases of Herpes, HIV, and Hepatitis are added in, is it easy to see how the Lonestar State unfortunately ranked so high among the national averages for STDs.
One of the major factors that can affect the number of reported cases of STDs is economics, which also affects location and education. Lack of funding is one of the major reasons that certain TX counties are seeing an alarming increase in the number of reported cases of sexually transmitted diseases. Due to a lack of money and support from local governments the counties that are lacking in sexual education typically have higher STD rates.
The majority of public schools in the state use abstinence based materials, if they provide sex education classes for students. While abstaining from intercourse is effective at preventing pregnancy, it does not completely protect against the spread of all STDs. Some of the diseases can be spread without engaging in intercourse.
The best method of preventing STDs is through regular testing and education. Regular Herpes testing in Texas can stop the virus from spreading, especially among high school students. Regular HIV testing in Texas is also important, especially now that infection rates are rising.
The state of Texas has a diverse population that includes Hispanics, Native Americans, Europeans, Africans, Caucasians, along with Asians and Middle Easterners. It is the perfect example of the principals America was founded on, and has become a melting pot for people of all cultures, backgrounds, and ethnicities.
The small city and county of Lubbock, TX has been immortalized in country songs, and now it is also gaining attention for being ranked 8th in the state for reported cases of STDs. To make matters even more disheartening, Lubbock county is also ranked 11th out of the other 254. While Lubbock might be a small city, it is not located in a remote location and it still has an average number of free STD clinics. Due to a surprising lack of education about the importance of taking care of your sexual health, many residents of the city and county do not get tested for any transmittable disease.
The ethnic makeup of some of these counties, and many of the cities in TX is also contributing to the increase. The city and county of El Paso do sit on the border of Mexico, and the constant influx of foreigners can add to the growing STD problem. As an example of how important it is too take care of your sexual health, the city of El Paso saw a frightening 69.9 percent increase in the number of reported STD cases between 2005 and 2011
While you are riding the roller coasters at Six Flags or lounging on a raft as you float along the lazy Jacinto River, consider the state of your sexual health. There are a few questions you should ask yourself to prevent becoming one of the thousands of documented STD cases, and the most important one is when the last time you were tested for a sexually transmitted disease. If you don’t want to miss a day exploring this vast state, there is a faster way for you to take care of your sexual health. With one phone call you can schedule confidential STD testing, and only spend a few minutes at a neighborhood lab. This way you still have plenty of time to start exploring this amazing state.