Patients need STD testing in order to maintain their sexual health and avoid any other potentially chronic conditions. Sexually transmitted diseases impact millions of patients every year and are especially common in the greater Denver area.
Did you know that STDs in Denver have dramatically risen in the last year? STDs in the Denver metro area hit an all-time high in multiple STDs in 2019. These included some of the most common viral infections contracted via sexual contact. At AFC Urgent Care Denver, we ensure that all of our patients have the most up-to-date information about safe sexual intercourse and STD prevention. However, some patients may not fully realize what else is needed to prevent STDs, as well as the facilities and resources we have to combat venereal diseases.
So what should patients understand about the spike in STDs around Denver and Aurora, CO? How can urgent care help deter and treat sudden STDs you experience?
Why are STDs on the rise in Denver and Aurora?
According to the CDC and local news reports, STDs are on the rise in Denver for the 5th consecutive year. The most commonly reported STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Per the CDC and CBS4 Denver:
The report tallied cases from 2017 to 2018 and it shows there’s a continued resurgence of the top most commonly reported STDs which are Syphilis, Gonorrhea, and Chlamydia. The leading infection was Chlamydia with 1.8 million cases, a 19% increase since 1994. Gonorrhea had 583,405 cases; 63% increase since 2014. Syphilis counted 35,063 cases, a 71% jump from 2014. Congenital Syphilis is passed on from the mother to baby, and there was a jump with 1,306 cases, a 185% increase since 2014. In addition, 100 babies died from complications because of Congenital Syphilis in 2018.
CBS4 Denver and the Centers for Disease Control
The rise of STDs has been steady since the rise of more relaxed norms, "hookup culture," and other types of outlets that promote sexual behavior. Public health experts in the state of Colorado also explained that these behaviors in combination with a lack of patient education can lead to debilitating consequences in STD prevention.
Patients will need to ensure that they get tested while also practicing safe sex, if they want to reduce their risk during a spike in STDs. Abstinence, using condoms, limiting the frequency of sexual partners, and testing are all effective preventive tools to lower risks.
How do patients prevent STDs
As mentioned on our previous blog on STD prevention, teenagers and younger adults are at the highest risk for getting any type of sexually-transmitted disease. Without proper protection and prevention, younger adults may see more STDs due to sexual experimentation and lack of prevention skills.
As a refresher, the types of STD testing that most patients can complete includes:
Using protection during sexual intercourse: The use of a condom or other prophylactic can help reduce your risk of transmitting or contracting an STD. Whenever you engage in sexual activity with a new partner always use protection to reduce infection risks.
Limiting frequency of sexual partners: One of the most important risk factors when it comes to STDs is the number of sexual partners you have. As the number of partners increases, your chances of getting an STD increases as well. Whenever you have a new sexual partner get an STD test.
Reducing drug and alcohol use before/during sex: Using drugs or alcohol before or during intercourse can lead to a higher chance of STDs. This is because drug and alcohol use can lead to higher-risk sexual behavior. Additionally, sharing needles can also transmit certain critical STDs including HIV/AIDS.
Getting frequent STD testings with new partners: The most important thing to remember when trying to prevent STDs is that most of them are asymptomatic. This means that you won’t usually see any physician symptoms, which means you’ll need a test to detect most STDs.
AFC Urgent Care Denver - June 11, 2019
AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale provides fast and efficient STD testing
Our newest Denver Leetsdale locations provides an STD testing clinic and other urgent care services so you can efficiently get the care you need to prevent STDs.
AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale is located at 850 S Monaco Pkwy, Suite 10 in Denver, CO and serves the surrounding communities of Utah Park, Aurora, Glendale, and Virginia Vale!
Don't let bad health habits and low screening put you at risk for an STD! Get treatment and testing ASAP!
