Free STD Testing Near You in Chesapeake, VA

Getting STDs can feel stressful and even embarrassing or shameful, but it doesn’t have to be. STDtest.com connects you to a dedicated team of Care Advisors available 7 days a week from 6 AM to 10 PM CT to answer your questions and help you each step of the way. This makes more time enjoy what you love most in Chesapeake, whether it’s taking in the rich history of the city by visiting one it’s many battlefields or basking in bird-watching at Bells Mill Park. A brief walk-in appointment that’s 30 minutes or less is all you need to be on your way to receive results, usually in three business days or less.

With various common sexually transmitted diseases continuing to increase in the area, it’s important for Chesapeake residents to take action and gain knowledge of their STD status. Many of these infections present without any symptoms, making it easy for one partner to transmit an STD to another without any knowledge. Anyone entering into a new relationship is a prime candidate for STD testing, along with anyone who has never been tested before, anyone who has been exposed to an STI by their partner, anyone who has been with multiple partners in the last year or anyone concerned about exhibiting STD-like symptoms. One of the simplest ways to lessen the worry the burden surrounding these “taboo” topics is to get tested.

The rise of common STDs in Chesapeake is most noticeable in the instance of chlamydia. This is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the city, the state and across the country, with over 1.4 million new infections reported in 2014, according the CDC National STD Surveillance Report.⁵ In 2014, there were reports of 1,258 new chlamydia infections in the area, compared to 1,209 the year before. Gonorrhea in the area also continues to rise, with 304 new infections in 2014 compared to 247 in 2013. From 2010 to 2014, the highest rate of gonorrhea diagnoses in Chesapeake was reported in 2010, which was 136.4 cases per 100,000 residents. The spread of primary and secondary syphilis sees far less numbers than that of gonorrhea and chlamydia, with 9 total cases reported in 2014 compared to 6 in 2013. Cases of syphilis left untreated can have very severe medical consequences, according to the CDC.^2-6

Another sexually transmitted disease on the decline in Chesapeake are new infections of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In 2014, 19 cases were reported compared to 26 the year before. 2012 saw the highest number of new infections in the 2010-2014 data set, with 48 new diagnoses at a rate of infection in the population of 20.8. In 2014, affected Chesapeake residents accounted for 3% of all people living with HIV in the state, with 366 infections in total.⁷ Getting tested for STDs and getting linked to treatment is one of the most effective methods for lowering the spread of disease in Chesapeake city.

Sexual education in Virginia offers a comprehensive approach for students across the state grades K-12, delivered in an age-appropriate, medically accurate and chronological manner. Information and prevention about STDs and HIV/AIDS are central to the curriculum, as well as a stress of the importance of sex within marriage. Family Life education supports a foundation of well-informed students, with a stress on abstinence as the most effective method of birth control available. This standard of sexual education is enforced by the Code of Virginia.⁸

This curriculum is compiled by an advisory committee of no more than 20 members and is reviewed by the state. All parents have the option to opt their child out of sexual education lessons at school, however, they are also encouraged to reinforce the curriculum imparted in school and play an active role in the positive development of their young adolescents so they emerge from their formal schooling years with the confidence to make healthy decisions.⁸ Parental support of teenagers, one of the most affected populations in the Chesapeake, Virginia and across the country by STDs, is a helpful asset when making tough decisions like getting tested when they’re at risk.

Youth are greatly affected by the spread of sexually transmitted disease according to the latest reports issued by the Virginia Department of Health. In the case of chlamydia, 23,026 of all 35,250 new infections reported were attributed to the 15-24 age group in the state of Virginia. Discussing the same age range, they reported 58.3% of all new gonorrhea infections. The age group most affected by syphilis were 20-29 year olds with 34.8% of all new infections. The highest number of HIV infections were reported by people age 20-24.^2-5,7

The racial/demographic group that reported the most cases of chlamydia across the state were African Americans, with 43.3% of total 2014 infections. Similarly, African Americans saw the highest number of gonorrhea infections in the area, followed by Caucasians with 16% of all reported diagnoses. Of all primary and secondary syphilis infections reported that year in Virginia, the demographic group reporting the majority were African Americans. The group at the highest risk for contraction of HIV are men who have sex with men (MSM), reporting 54.1% of all new HIV infections. To combat the rise of these preventable and treatable diseases, spreading the word about prevention and testing is key. All sexually transmitted diseases can be treated and many cured, so reaching out to underserved communities to encourage taking this crucial step is important for the better health of the greater Virginia area.^2-5,7

Getting tested for STDs in Chesapeake should be fast, confidential and affordable. STDtest.com provides a service focused both on the patients’ needs and schedule. Getting your STD testing out of the way in a timely and affordable manner allows more free time to enjoy this bird watcher’s paradise. Get started by answering a few brief questions online about your sexual health and symptoms. By doing so, you’ll receive a doctor-recommended panel of tests, customized for you. Next, you’ll choose a testing option. You can select a lab for a short visit (usually thirty minutes or less) test sample collection, no appointment needed. If available in your area, In-Home Collection offers testing at home, work or another convenient location.

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

References:

1 US Census Bureau Quick Facts – Chesapeake City and Virginia
2 Virginia STD Surveillance Report March 2015 – Gonorrhea
3 Virginia STD Surveillance Report March 2015 – Chlamydia
4 Virginia STD Surveillance Report March 2015 – Primary and Secondary Syphilis
5 Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2014
6 Syphilis – CDC Fact Sheet
7 Virginia HIV Surveillance Annual Report 2015
8 Family Life Education – Board of Education Guidelines and Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools