Free STD Testing Near You in Charlotte, NC

Sexual health might not be top of mind on your day-to-day list, but it should be. With STDtest.com, your worries about any unresolved questions can usually within three business days or less. From the busy hub of Uptown to the greater reaches past Mint Hill and extending out into the greater reaches of Mecklenburg County, the increasing rates of diseases stand to affect the greater population at large. Not only is the county #1 in the state for reported AIDS infections, it continues to see a rise of new chlamydia and gonorrhea infections, it is also 2nd in the state for reports of primary and secondary syphilis cases.¹

This information is serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of STD testing. By answering a few brief questions about your sexual history and symptoms, you’re on your way to receiving the tests that are right for you. Lab visits are brief, and our national network offers thousands of locations to choose from. A dedicated team of Care Advisors is available 7 days a week from 6 AM – 10 PM CT to answer any questions you might have about getting started.

Rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS are all reported at numbers above the North Carolina state average. From 2012-2014, reports released by the state and county health department convey a continued rise of these commonly reported sexually transmitted diseases in the greater Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, home to over 1 million people. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the area. In 2014, the reported rate of infection in Mecklenburg County was recorded at 685 infections per 100,000, compared to 628/100,000 in 2013. The most recent number is higher than the state and national averages.^2&3

The 2014 reported rate of gonorrhea in Mecklenburg County slightly more than doubled that of the national average, coming in at 236/100,000, and the US average reported at 111/100,000. The rate of infection regarding primary and secondary syphilis cases in the county rose from 11.1/100,000 to 17.4 cases per 100,000 people between 2013 and 2014, a number once again significantly higher than the North Carolina state and national average rates of report for the infection.³

HIV in Charlotte and Mecklenburg continues to experience rising rates. In 2013, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported an HIV infection rate of 24.2/100,000, which in turn increased to 31.4/100,000 in the area population. With the rates of sexually transmitted diseases not only rising in Charlotte, but also rising noticeably above state and national averages, getting tested is an essential effort in reversing current trends that are detrimental to overall community health.³

The Charlotte Mecklenburg School District recently has taken strides to further refine and clarify their methods and topic inclusion for sexual education, notably working to educate students about the definitions and common misconceptions surrounding sexual assault and unhealthy relationships. In addition to providing public school students with comprehensive sexual education, based on prevention of sexual diseases, HIV/AIDS instruction, abstinence as the most effective form of prevention and other forms of contraception. The aim of the curriculum is to provide students with the self-esteem and knowledge to make healthy choices.^4&5

While the Charlotte Mecklenburg curriculum focuses on the facts of sexually transmitted disease and the realities of teen pregnancy, pending legislation is making an effort to keep certain contraceptive drugs out of the conversation, like Plan B and other forms of post-conception birth control.⁶ Introducing the conversation about what options are available to teens helps to encourage the productive step of getting test for young people at list. In North Carolina and across the country, young people age 15-24 are one of the highest risk groups for sexually transmitted disease. Many of these STIs present without any symptoms, making it even more important for anyone at risk to get tested.

In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area, nearly 80% of all chlamydia and gonorrhea cases are attributed to racial and ethnic groups outside of the Caucasian population, according to the Mecklenburg County Summary report for responsible sexual behavior.⁸

The demographic breakdown of HIV infections in the county sees the most significant effect on African American males between the ages of 25 and 44. Of the 5,344 known infections reported as of June 2015, 69% are attributed to the African American population, 71% are reported in males and the most common age demographic for HIV reports 56% of all infections. Other demographic populations highly affected by the spread of HIV in the county are men who have sex with men (MSM), accounting for 44% of all HIV infections. These demographic group statistics have remained relatively stable, with 68% of all HIV infections reported by African Americans in 2014, and 65% the year before. An easy way to help members of population communities with high rates of infection is to spread the word about getting tested. It’s possible that patients aren’t aware that they are carrying the infection and getting tested provides a decisive result.

Wouldn’t you rather spend your hard-earned free time engaged in an activity you enjoy, like taking in a game at the BB&T ballpark, than waiting for the right time to get tested? STDtest.com is here to help. After you complete a brief medical intake either online or by phone, you’ll receive a doctor-recommended panel of tests. Next, you’ll select a testing option.  You can make brief visit (usually 30 minutes or less) to lab location most convenient for you that same day, no appointment required. If available in your area, you can can get tested at home, work or another convenient location with In-Home Collection that same day with only an hour’s notice.

For both options, results are usually available in three business days or less. The medical team is available to answer follow up questions and even to prescribe treatment, if medically appropriate and if allowed by state law. Get tested. It’s for your better health.

References:

1 2014 North Carolina HIV/STD Surveillance Report
2 United States Census Bureau Quick Facts – Charlotte and Mecklenburg
3 2015 State of the County Health Report Overview of Selected Health Indicators for Mecklenburg County
4 Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools Sexual Education Standards
5 H 29
6 H 596  
7 Incidence, Prevalence, and Cost of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States
8 2013 Mecklenburg County Summary Report Responsible Sexual Behavior
9 Persons Living with HIV Infection in Mecklenburg County as of June 2015* Diagnoses by Race, Gender, Age and Exposure Category