Louisiana was rated number two in 2016 Sexually Transmitted Diseases Surveillance Report prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the report that was published in late September this year, Louisiana experienced the second-highest increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates in the US. The state also had the second-highest rate of HIV diagnosis last year. While these reports show that diagnosis are high, it doesn’t mean that STD and HIV testing in LA and New Orleans is occurring at a high rate as well.

Statements From the CDC

Gail Bolan, the director of CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, stated that the increasing rate of STDs represents a tragic failure of the health systems in the state. In a press release, the director states that all it takes to prevent the spread of this disease is the available STD and HIV testing in LA, as well as treatment with antibiotic medications.

The increasing rate of STDs is due to lack of awareness among the general public about how the sexual diseases are spread and where in LA HIV testing is available.

What are STDs?

STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. The most common of these diseases include:

  • Gonorrhea
  • Chlamydia
  • Herpes 1 (oral herpes)
  • Herpes 2 (genital herpes)
  • Syphilis
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • HIV/AIDs
  • Hepatitis C

STDs are also called venereal diseases (VD) since they usually spread through close sexual contact. They are serious illnesses that should be treated at the first sign, and not taking immediate action can result in irreversible damage to the body.

Learning how the STDs are spread, and which labs in LA provide HIV testing, can help reduce the chances of getting the disease.

How are STDs Spread?

You can catch an STD by engaging in anal, vaginal, or oral sex with an infected person. Some STDs are spread through sharing moist or damp objects, such as wet clothing, damp towels, toilet seats, and eating utensils. Moreover, some diseases can also spread through sharing toothbrush, razors, needles, or even sex toys.

However, the most common cause of STDs is sexual contact. Germs that cause STDs are present in blood, semen, saliva, penile, and vaginal secretions of the infected person.

The chances of getting an STD increase if a person has many sexual partners. In addition, sexual activity at a young age increases the chances of becoming infected with an STD. Individuals that engage in unprotected sex are also at increased risk of catching an STD.

STD & HIV Testing in New Orleans & LA

STDs are increasing at a high rate all over the US. The areas where STD cases are highest include Washington D.C., Louisiana, Nevada, and California. To prevent the spread of sexual diseases, awareness about STDs is essential.

Look to STD Labs to find STD and HIV testing in LA and all over the US.

Contributor: admin