STD Testing San Antonio

The numbers speak for itself: there is a rise in the number of Sexually Transmitted Disease cases in the country today.

And what’s more disturbing is, half of the new infections come from young people ages 15 to 25 even though they only make up 27% of the population who are sexually active. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they account for 70% of all gonorrhea infections and 63% of chlamydia infections. Texas in particular, ranks fifth with the highest number of syphilis cases.

Why young people are more at risk of being infected

Studies show that about 65% of high school students will engage in sexual intercourse by the time they are in twelfth grade. Out of these, one in every five will have four or more sexual partners.

Aside from having multiple sex partners, young people are also more likely to engage in unprotected sex compared to other age groups. These put them at a greater risk not just of being infected with STDs but also of spreading it.

But despite such glaring statistics, most of them have never been tested or do not get the recommended tests for STDs. Misunderstanding of the risks, confidentiality, lack of access to care and worries on costs are some of the barriers that prevent them from being tested.

Not having insurance is also one of the barriers to testing. Generally, young adults can stay under their parent’s health plan until they reach 26 years old. They are still hesitant to get tested however because they are afraid that if they do, the insurance agency will notify the policyholders – their parents – about the service they have provided.

What you can do to protect yourself 

The surest way to prevent STD is to refrain from having vaginal, anal or oral sex. If you do decide to have sex, it’s best that both of you get tested beforehand.

Also make sure to use protection all the time and that you and your partner have agreed to have sexual contact only with each other. If you think you have reason to believe you might be infected, find a reliable STD testing clinic in San Antonio, Texas today.