Free STD Testing Near You in Garland, TX

It might seem that culture of Garland revolves around work and little play, but there are still plenty of places to go when local West Texans want to unwind, like the Hawaiian Falls Water Park. Another way to alleviate stress from the daily grind in Garland is for anyone to at risk to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Those at risk can include the following but aren’t limited to those who have never been tested before, anyone who has been with more than one partner in the last year, anyone who is in a relationship with a partner who has tested positive, anyone who has been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease or exhibits STD-like symptoms.

If you have any concerns about compromised sexual health, getting tested as soon as possible will help to ease the stress of the situation. All STDs can be treated and many can be cured, so determining what the facts of your individual situation are is crucial in moving forward toward a healthier future. A dedicated team of Care Advisors is available 7 days a week from 6 AM – 10 PM CT to address any questions or concerns you might have and to guide you each step of the way.

In Dallas County, the metropolitan statistical area that incorporates Garland and other surrounding cities like Irving and Highland Park, the number of chlamydia infections is on the decline. However, in 2014, this area reported 14,774, making it the 2nd highest county in the state of Texas for the number of chlamydia infections. In 2013, 14,975 infections were reported, to compare. Conversely, gonorrhea demonstrates a year over year increase, according the the most recent statistical data circulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services TB/HIV/STD Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch. In 2014, 4,968 new gonorrhea infections were reported, compared to 4,853 in 2013. Dallas County also continues to see an uptick in reported infections of primary and secondary syphilis, with an 8.5% increase in new diagnoses from 2013-2014. In Texas, Dallas County ranks 2nd in the state for the number of chlamydia infections, 2nd statewide for gonorrhea infections and 2nd for infections of primary and secondary syphilis.^1&2

Dallas County is ranked 2nd in the state for both the number of HIV and AIDS infections, preceded only by numbers reported in Harris County (Houston). The continued rise of HIV in Irving is marked by 45 new infections in 2014. From 2013 to 2014, the number of HIV infections in Dallas County increased by 10.9%. Looking at data collected in the statistical area ranging from 2010 to 2014, the highest number of HIV infections reported occurred in 2010, with 947 cumulative infections. Getting tested and treated for these commonly reported sexually transmitted conditions is an effective method of slowing down their spread in areas like Garland, Dallas County and beyond.^1&2

Sexual education in Garland, Dallas County throughout Texas rests firmly upon a foundation of “Abstinence Only” instruction. According to a report released by the Guttmacher Institute detailing the sexual education policies of each state in the Union, Texas does not require any form of sexual education in its public school system. If any such education is offered, again, it is to be reinforced that abstinence is the only effective method of avoiding unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease. This approach can prove to leave some students in the dark, with adolescents and young adults reporting some of the highest number of STD infections in Dallas County. In the Garland Independent School District, only one high school in the area offers detailed coverage of human sexuality topics, according to the ISD curriculum outline.^3&4

What Texas schools struggle with when it comes to sexual education is a balance between supporting traditional values and providing students with the information and access they need in the instance that they have sex and contract sexually transmitted diseases. With teens accounting for nearly half of all sexually transmitted infections reported annually in the United States, education is key for knowing the risks and when to get tested. Health problems can arise when STDs are left unchecked and untreated, including fertility in a staggering number of nearly 24,000 young women each year, according to the CDC.⁵

The African American population of Garland and Dallas County bears the brunt of the impact when it comes to the spread of sexually transmitted disease in the metropolitan statistical area. In 2014, this demographic population accounted for 34.1% of chlamydia cases, 48.6% of gonorrhea cases, 47.1% of primary and secondary syphilis cases, as well as 47.8% of all HIV cases reported to Dallas County. Regarding the gender divide as it relates to sexually transmitted disease, chlamydia is reported in far higher numbers in women than in men. Gonorrhea trends demonstrate less of a gap between genders in reported infections, with females accounting for 43.1% of infections compared to 56.7% reported by men. The majority of P&S syphilis cases and HIV cases are reported in men, both in Dallas County and across the US. In 2014, 89% of all primary and secondary syphilis cases were reported in this gender, as were 80.6% of new HIV infections.^6&7

Youth is one of the demographic groups at high risk for STD infection. With the highest reported number of infections of any STD in the county area, chlamydia affects the 15-24 year old age group most aversely. This population segment accounts for 62.5% of all 2014 chlamydia infections. The age group most affected by the spread of gonorrhea are 15-24 year olds, accounting for 52.2% of infections. 25-34 year olds the most common age group diagnosed with primary and secondary syphilis infections, and 25-34 year olds for HIV, accounting for 34.4% of cumulative diagnoses in 2014 in Garland and Dallas County. Reaching out to populations that are at higher risk or are in more highly affected areas of the city and encouraging continual testing and treatment is an effective method of lowering sexually transmitted disease.^6&7

Why not spend more of your time engaged in what you enjoy in Garland, like lounging by Lake Ray Hubbard, rather than feeling undue stress of waiting to take an STD test? Get started with STDtest.com and in four easy steps, you’ll be fully informed and in touch with any resources you may need for treatment. First, begin with answering a brief medical questionnaire online or by phone to receive your doctor-recommended panel of tests. Next, you’ll choose a testing option. You can choose the lab location most convenient for you from our national network of thousands where you will have your test samples collected, no appointment required. If available in your area, In-Home Collection offers testing at home, work or another convenient location.

Once your test sample collection is complete, results are usually available in three business days or less. The medical team is available for a follow up consult to answer any questions you might have and even to prescribe follow up treatment, if medically appropriate and if allowed by state law. Get tested. It’s for your better health.

References:

1 Texas HIV Surveillance Report 2014
2 Texas STD Surveillance Report 2014
3 Garland Independent School District – Required Health Course Options
4 Guttmacher Institute State Policies in Brief – Sex and HIV Education  
5 Sexually Transmitted Infections in Young Americans
6 Profile of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Dallas County, 2014 Dallas County Health and Human Services
7 Profile of HIV in Dallas County, 2014 Dallas County Health and Human Services