Free STD Testing Near You in Birmingham, AL

While the numbers of primary and secondary syphilis continue to rise in the Birmingham and the greater Jefferson County area, several commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases are also on the decline according to the latest surveillance reports from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Recently, chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV revealed declining numbers.^2&3 Keeping these downward trends in motion can be helped by regular STD testing for anyone at risk, including those who have never been tested before, anyone who has been with multiple partners in the last year, anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection by their partner, or anyone who is displaying STD-like symptoms.

Getting tested for STDs isn’t just a matter of personal health, it’s a matter of helping the greater Birmingham and Jefferson County community closer to a clean bill of sexual health. Many people, regardless of age, gender or racial/ethnic or sexual identity, can find STD testing stressful, embarrassing or even shameful. STDtest.com is a service that prioritizes discretion. You’ll never see the name of our website on your bank statement or in your email inbox.

Jefferson the most populous county in the state and continually reports the highest number of new HIV cases across Alabama, followed by other populous regions including Mobile, Montgomery, Madison and Tuscaloosa, according to reports released by the Alabama Department of Public Health. In Birmingham and Jefferson County 174 new diagnoses were reported in 2013, compared to 194 in 2012. While this area consistently sees the top number of cases, rural areas are more heavily by the rate of infection. Montgomery, Alabama has ⅓ the population of Jefferson County, but the rate of HIV infection in this area is greater than Jefferson County and well over double the state average.^3&4

As the rate in the area continues to decline, another way to improve the outlook for residents with HIV is increase the linkage to care, post-diagnosis. The state of Alabama reports that 78% of all HIV positive patients were linked to care in 90 days or less after receiving their test results. HIV cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the proper medication. The first step is getting tested. Knowledge of status is necessary to receive the care needed to potentially achieve viral load suppression.^3&5

Year-over-year data reveals a slow decline of other commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases. In 2015 3,295 cases were reported in Jefferson County, compared to 4,928 in 2014, a decrease of 33.6%. Gonorrhea saw a decrease of 9.2%, reporting 1,478 infections in 2015 compared to 1,629 in 2014. Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis saw a slight increase in the number of infections with 136 and 140, respective to 2014 and 2015.2 To further propel these downward trends, getting tested, treated and even cured in the case of chlamydia, gonorrhea and P&S syphilis are simple steps to take.

Sexual education in Birmingham and across the state centers on traditional values, as well as the incorporation of knowledge and prevention strategies relating to sexually transmitted disease, HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy. The perimeters for health education mandated by the Alabama Department of Education include an emphasis on abstinence as the 100% effective method of avoiding STDs and teen pregnancy as well as the importance of getting vaccinated if available and using methods of contraception. Consistently with other programs developed by state education departments around the country, lessons on family life, self-esteem development and proactive, assertive decision making skills are integral lessons included in the curriculum.⁶

Alabama’s religious values become apparent in a caveat in the Alabama Health Education of Course of Study, proclaiming that “homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense under the laws of the state.” Considering that men who have sex with men (MSM) comprise 69% of HIV cases reported in Alabama, this denial sexual identity based on a law passed in 1992 (homosexual conduct is illegal) can create confusion and can obstruct patients to testing and care.^3&6 Remove the judgement with STDtest.com’s discreet service.

Young people are especially at risk for sexually transmitted disease in the Birmingham and Jefferson County areas. Regarding chlamydia infections in 2015, 2,645 of all reported infections were attributed to the 15-24 age group. The number of 15-24 year olds reporting gonorrhea accounts for 56.6%, or 833 infections. The age group most affected by the spread of P&S syphilis were 20-29 year olds.²

Similar to many other metropolitan areas across the country, the African American population of Birmingham is disproportionately affected African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV in Alabama. This demographic group comprises 27% of the county population, yet they reported 71% of new HIV infections. Compared to the Caucasian male population in the area, African American males were 6.8 times more likely to contract the infection, and African American women are reported to be 11.4 times more likely to report an HIV infections than Caucasian females.³ Targeting groups and communities at risk is an integral part of the National HIV/AIDS strategy to help eliminate the disease. By getting tested and treated, the quality of life and the health of the community improves.

Why not dedicate your free time to more of what you enjoy, like a visit with family and friends to the Barber Vintage Sports Museum, than waste time waiting for your STD results? Getting started with STDtest.com is simple, discreet and affordable. To begin, choose the tests that are right for you. Next, you can choose a testing location. You can select the lab nearest you out of a national network of thousands for a brief visit (usually 15 minutes or less) to collect your test samples.

For both options, results are usually available within 48 hours or less. The medical team is available for a follow up consult, to answer any additional questions you may have and even to prescribe treatment, if appropriate and if permitted by state law. Get tested. It’s for your better health.

References:

1 United States Census Bureau Quick Facts – Birmingham and Jefferson County, AL
2 State of Alabama Reported STD Cases By County 2015
3 State of Alabama HIV Surveillance 2013 Annual Report Finalized
4 United States Census Bureau Quick Facts – Montgomery and Jefferson County, AL Comparison
5 CDC – Persons with HIV: Prevention and Care
6 Alabama Course of Study Health Education
7 National HIV/AIDS Strategy