Private MD News

Orange Country residents need to understand the importance of STD testing

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Efforts to reduce sexually transmitted diseases in the U.S. are only effective if people are aware of them. This is why community leaders and healthcare workers are often working to spread awareness of the importance of practicing safe sex and utilizing STD testing services. For example, the Orlando Sentinel, a Florida news source, recently published an article explaining why STD testing is important for people in all parts of the state, but particularly those living in Orange County.

According to the news source, in 2010, there were more than 8,000 Orange County residents diagnosed with new STDs, which a higher rate than Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough, Palm Beach and other major counties across Florida. Furthermore, the Sentinel reported that it's likely that these numbers will increase, rather than tamper off.

Serious consequences
The news source explained that the impact of STDs can be dramatic. While some STDs can be cleared up easily, others, such as HIV and herpes, may require a lifetime of management. These infections will affect a person for the rest of his or her life, and STDs also have an impact on the U.S. economy. The Sentinel stated that the U.S. spends an estimated $16 billion a year on medical costs for people with STDs.

The article stressed that one of the best ways to prevent the spread of STDs and to avoid experiencing some of the more serious symptoms of certain sexual infections - like infertility or even death - is to get tested for STDs regularly. Early detection allows people to get treated for STDs as soon as possible, which will reduce their chances of spreading them on to their sexual partners.

Furthermore, the news source added that for each new STD infections that is averted, thousands are saved in medical costs. For example, each person with HIV incurs hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical costs throughout his or her lifetime.

STD testing is simple
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that there are many simple ways that people can get tested for STDs, and that any sexually active individual can contract one. Furthermore, even if people have no symptoms of an STD, such as itching, redness, burning and discharge, they should still consider getting tested because affected individuals often experience minimal or no symptoms.

Lab tests to check for STDs can be done anonymously, which is why no one should be hesitant about getting screened.