Bad news from the CDC: for the first time in almost 10 years, STD rates are on the rise among three common sexually transmitted diseases.
Cases of chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea all increased in 2014. The number of chlamydia cases, 1.4 million, is also the highest number of any STD cases ever reported to the CDC.
Check out the latest data below!
Continue reading “Three Common STDs on the Rise in the US” »
The first step in securing your sexual health is having the right knowledge.
In this two-part blog series, we are defining some of the key terms you should know when it comes to STDs, starting with the beginning of the alphabet.
STDs are a problem in every state, but a recent publication from the Centers for Disease Control suggests that certain states are seeing particularly high numbers of deaths from STDs. By becoming familiar with which STDs are causing problems in particular regions, it’s possible for public health agencies to craft appropriate response and prevention programs. Such information can also help the public be aware of outbreaks in their area so they can better protect themselves.
Here are the states and regions in which STDs seem to be the biggest problem.
Continue reading “What States are Struggling Most with STD-Related Deaths?” »
Arizona may be known for sunny days, but there’s a cloud hanging over the state: rising STD rates among senior citizens.
We’ve written before about increasing STD rates among this population, and we’re updating you on the specifics about senior citizens and STDs in Arizona.
Continue reading “Arizona’s Retired Population Faces Rising STD Rates” »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the 2013 STD Report detailing the prevalence of STDs in America.
Here’s what you need to know about US STD trends and how the details have changed approaches to STD prevention.
While the effects of STDs can have major impacts on both men and women, ranging from scarring to infertility to even death, females are a little more at risk of these harmful effects if their STDs aren’t treated.
In fact, in the US alone, untreated STDs cause infertility in 24,000 women each year. Infant death occurs in 40% of all pregnant women with untreated syphilis. And untreated chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease in women, escalating to more long-term reproductive system damage in some cases — while in men, the symptoms and effects are mild if they even occur.
Here’s why women are more likely to let their STDs go untreated — and thus why they’re more likely to experience longer-term impacts of STDs.
Continue reading “Why Women are More at Risk of Lasting STD effects” »
You may have heard the familiar statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — there are 20 million new cases of STDs each year. But there’s a more startling figure, revealing that the number of infections out there at any given moment is much higher — a staggering 110 million!
This number is soaring because many STDs can persist without symptoms, so people aren’t able to pursue the right treatment or preventative measures, and end up inadvertently spreading the disease.
Here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself from three common STDs.
Continue reading “There are 110 Million STDs Circulating. Don’t Catch One of Them!” »
October marks two special designations for expectant mothers: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and the Campaign for Healthier Babies Month.
To promote education about these important topics, TEST SMARTLY LABS is sharing how having STDs during pregnancy can affect a child’s health.
Since having unprotected sex is an STD risk factor, it’s important that you pursue STD testing after you’ve done the deed.
This doesn’t mean you should beeline to the lab the morning after, though. There are many factors that affect the STD testing window including:
Here are our guidelines on STD test detection windows.
Continue reading “How Soon Should I Get an STD Test After Unprotected Sex?” »