Free STD Testing Near You in Frankfort, KY

The state of Kentucky ranks 26th in the nation for the number of HIV diagnoses in the United States, a number below the national average. While population does play a significant factor in the national rankings of the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases, with as many as 1 in 6 individuals unaware that they currently are infected, getting tested is the most definitive way to determining one’s STD status. If you’re feeling unsure about the process, a dedicated team of Care Advisors is available 7 days a week from 6am – 10 pm CT to answer any questions you might have and to guide you each step of the way.

Keeping the sexual health of Frankfort, Franklin County and Kentucky’s on track requires a vigilant effort from healthcare providers, community services and residents to spread the knowledge about risk behaviors, testing and treatment options. According to the CDC, all STDs can be treated and many can be cured, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and trichomoniasis.³ PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and antiretroviral medication make it possible for those exposed to the HIV virus and those who test positive to reach viral load suppression, making the transition to AIDS far slower and the quality of life with the disease greatly improved.⁴

In addition to ranking 26th for the number of HIV cases in the nation, Kentucky is ranks 33rd in the country for chlamydia cases, 27th for the number of gonorrhea infections and 30th in the event of primary and secondary (P&S) infections. In Frankfort, the number of HIV cases continues to increase, according to the most recent reports published by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Department for Public Health HIV/AIDS Branch. In 2013, 93 new infections were reported compared to 86 the year before. Looking at chlamydia prevalence in Frankfort and all across Kentucky, residents of the state reported a rate of infection of 391.2 cases per 100,000 residents in 2014 compared to 402.2 in 2013, revealing an increase of the disease in the state statistical reporting area.^2,5-7

The rate of gonorrhea and P&S syphilis infections continue increase in the state of Kentucky. Comparing 2013 gonorrhea infection rates to those of 2014, there was an increase of 12.5 new cases per 100,000. The P&S syphilis infection rate was reported as 2.8/100,000 in 2013 and increase to 6/100,000 in 2014. If you or your partner are at risk, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases can be simple, affordable, confidential and convenient. Getting tested is one step closer to having peace of mind about your sexual health.^5-7

In the past, and as recently as 2007, the state of Kentucky mandated “Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage” standards and curriculum in its schools, based on grant funding supporting these educational aims. As the years progressed, Kentucky’s stance on this issue seems to have shifted slightly, based on conclusions apparent in the Guttmacher Report on state-by-state policies of sex and HIV education. According to the information provided as of March 2016, the state of Kentucky mandates sexual education as well as HIV/AIDS education in all of its public school institutions. Unlike similar states that require sex ed, Kentucky standards to not expressly call for age-appropriate or medically accurate instruction, common components of a comprehensive sexual education strategy.^8&9

In Frankfort, across Kentucky and all across the United States, teenagers and young adults are disproportionately affected by the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, especially those ages 15-24. Of the nearly 10 million STDs reported each year in America, this population accounts for nearly half of the new infections. An informed education about risk factors and what can be done in the event of unprotected sex, multiple partners or exposure to an STD is a great starting point for teens and better sexual health. Educating teens about their testing options an important part of lowering the number of STDs in the country.¹⁰

In the state of Kentucky, the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the state impacted women the most. The number of new chlamydia cases, according to the CDC’s 2015 Kentucky State Health Profile, happened to affect women at a rate of 2.4 times more than men, a trend that takes places in cities and states all across the country. Youth are greatly affected by the infection rate of both chlamydia and gonorrhea. The age group with the highest number of chlamydia infections in 2014 is 15-19 year olds, and the age group accounting for gonorrhea infections the 20-24 population segment.

The highest risk group for new HIV infections in the state are men who have sex with men (MSM), reporting 69% of new reported diagnoses. This group is followed by heterosexual transmission with 19.9%. The racial/ethnic group with the highest number of reported HIV infections as of 2015 is the Caucasian population, with 56.6% of the cumulative infections reported. Reaching out to these various groups at risk for sexually transmitted disease and communicating the importance of getting tested is an integral aim of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, a plan set forth by the United States government to defining how best to reach the goals of 90% of infected people knowing their status, 90% of those people receiving linkage to antiretroviral therapy and 90% of those linked to therapy achieving viral suppression. This is not just a United States initiative, it is a UN priority as well.^2,11-12

Frankfort residents should make more time for activities worth looking forward to, like a day in Cove Springs Park, rather than waste another minute feeling stressed or overwhelmed by an unknown STD status. Getting started with STDtest.com is simple, convenient, discreet and cost-effective. Begin by answering a short medical questionnaire online or by phone to receive your doctor-recommended panel of tests, personalized to your history and symptoms. You’ll then choose a lab location most convenient for you from a national network of thousands that you’ll visit briefly (usually 30 minutes or less) for a lab technician to collect your samples. Once your test samples are collected, results are usually available within three business days or less. The medical team is available afterward for a follow up consult to discuss your diagnosis, answer any remaining 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 US Census Bureau Quick Facts – Frankfort and Franklin County, KY
2 Kentucky – 2015 State Health Profile
3 The Lowdown on How to Prevent STDs
4 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
5 CDC Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2014
6 Kentucky HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report June 2015
7 Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia Rates Rising for First Time in Years
8 Kentucky Sexuality Education Law and Policy
9 Guttmacher Institute State Policies in Brief – Sex and HIV Education
10 CDC – Sexually Transmitted Infections in Young Americans
11 National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States
12 90-90-90 – An ambitious treatment target to help end the AIDS epidemic