STD Testing Dallas: Get the Facts

STD Testing Dallas: the stats are in. In the past few years, the rates of sexually transmitted diseases and infections have been steadily rising across the United States. The city of Dallas is not an exception. 

STD Testing Dallas: Infections on the Rise

As with many of the most populated cities in the country, Dallas, Texas has seen an increase in several common sexually transmitted diseases and infections. The statistics we’re presenting today come directly from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Each year, DSHS releases a report of surveillance data for STIs.

Chlamydia continues to be the most commonly reported communicable disease in Dallas County. This is on par with the rest of the nation. In 2016, Dallas saw a total of 15,176 reported chlamydia cases. In 2009, that number was only 13,709. Since 2006, we’ve seen an increase in reported chlamydial infections. That said, there could be a silver lining to this increase in reports. These higher numbers might be due to expanded testing, education and more sensitive diagnostic tools. Some of these infections may have already existed, but now they are being diagnosed and reported more often.

When STD testing Dallas, stats show that gonorrhea is becoming a serious problem. You may know this ultra-common infection as “The Clap.” In 2016, the year of the most recent report, the DSHS saw 5,775 reported gonorrhea cases. Just a few short years ago, in 2009, that number was only 4,258. Gonorrhea infections are a major cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in the United States. And of course, we can’t forget “Super Gonorrhea.” This evolved form of the Clap has developed powerful resistance to antibiotic treatment.

STD Testing Dallas: Syphilis

In Dallas, syphilis rates are also increasing. If left untreated, syphilis can result in serious medical complications and increase the likelihood of transmitting or being infected with HIV.

Most of these annual surveillance reports separates cases by the “stages of syphilis” instead of using a blanket catch-all term:

• Primary and Secondary syphilis
• Early Latent syphilis
• Late syphilis

In 2016, there were 1,604 total reported cases of syphilis. Primary and Secondary syphilis cases numbered 325 in the County. The majority of primary and secondary syphilis cases occurred in males.

STD Testing Dallas: HIV

According to DSHS’s 2015 report on HIV, we have since seen a decrease in new diagnoses in Dallas. In fact, since 2005, there have been 23% fewer cases. This is largely on-par with the decrease seen across the entire country.

Of course, there are still plenty of people living with HIV in Dallas County. In fact, roughly 16,387 people in the area live with the virus. This represents an increase of 56% versus 2005.

Obviously, HIV can affect anyone of any gender, race or lifestyle. We all should be tested for STDs on a regular basis. That said, certain groups may be at a greater risk and should take extra precaution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that men account for over 90% of reported HIV cases.

Test Regularly For a Clean Bill of Sexual Health

Of course, everyone should screen for STDs at regular intervals. It’s the only way to be completely sure of your status. myLAB Box makes the screening process easier than ever before.

Simply click “order” on our website and wait for a discreetly packaged testing kit to arrive at your door. myLAB Box’s tests allows you to test from the comfort of your home. You can order a test for a specific STD, or you can choose one of our multi-panel combination packs.

Testing is easy with our easy-to-use full panel STD test, the Total Box. You see, it screens for 14 of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the nation. You’ll receive the same secure, lab-certified results that you would from any clinic or doctor’s office. Put simply, the Total Box is the most comprehensive STD testing pack on the market today.

The Total Box screens for:

• CHLAMYDIA (genital, throat, rectal)
• GONORRHEA (genital, throat, rectal)
• HEPATITIS C
• HIV I & II
• HERPES SIMPLEX 2
• SYPHILIS
• TRICHOMONIASIS
• MYCOPLASMA GENITALIUM
• HPV (optional add-on for women 30 years of age and older)

STD testing at home is a brave new step for self-care. It’s the least stressful way to make a responsible choice for your health and earn total peace of mind. If you need more information, please check out our FAQ page and the rest of myLAB Box’s handy blog to learn more.