If you’re looking for a way to prevent STDs in Richmond VA, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you’ll learn about the symptoms and risk factors of a number of sexually transmitted diseases, as well as how to find the right tests for your needs.

Chlamydia

Getting chlamydia tested is an excellent way to protect your health. It’s also a good idea to test for HIV as well. If you do not, you risk developing one of the most deadly diseases on the planet. The good news is that you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Luckily, there are several affordable clinics around the Richmond metro area. Some even offer walk in appointments.

In fact, you can get tested for many STIs, all while avoiding the cost of an ER visit. Thankfully, most of the tests are free. You can find a list of free and inexpensive clinics in your area here.

Gonorrhea

The STD Surveillance Network (SSuN) is a nationwide project that provides critical epidemiologic data for the purpose of improving the capacity of state and local STD programs. SSuN is currently in Cycle 2 of the project, which is being conducted in twelve geographically diverse metropolitan areas across the U.S. SSuN Cycle 1 was limited to five metropolitan areas.

In the five metropolitan areas, MSM had a range of gonorrhea rates. Minneapolis, Denver, and Seattle had the highest proportion of MSM with gonorrhea, while Richmond had the lowest. However, the number of gonorrhea cases reported in San Francisco was quite high, with 18.8% of the MSM there presenting with gonorrhea.

HIV

The best way to know if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. There are several ways to do this in Richmond. If you have the cash, you can go for a private service. But if you are on a tight budget, you may want to check out one of the free HIV screening clinics in the area.

A good place to start is the VA Department of Health. This agency is responsible for reducing the risk of contracting the virus by providing education and free testing. It also administers the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides medicine to help manage HIV/AIDS.

Syphilis

The state of Virginia has seen a dramatic increase in syphilis cases in recent years. In 2011, the state had zero reported cases of syphilis, but the number has been climbing steadily.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can result in a number of complications. These can include blindness, jaundice, and severe anemia. This is especially dangerous in infants born to mothers who have never been treated for syphilis.

A study from the CDC shows that syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease of increasing prevalence. One out of three women is at risk of contracting it. If you’re infected, you may experience symptoms such as fever, sores, and fatigue. You can protect yourself and your baby from this infection by taking a course of antibiotics.

STI counseling

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses. They can cause serious illness and death. These illnesses can be prevented by knowing your status.

In the United States, 20 million new cases of STIs are reported annually. Approximately half of these cases occur among youth. Several high risk populations are at greater risk of acquiring STIs than other groups. For example, sex partners of HIV-positive individuals are at increased risk of acquiring STIs.

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has identified several counseling interventions that may prevent STIs. However, a large number of studies are still needed to assess the effects of these interventions.

STD testing results

In my search for the best STD clinic in the Richmond VA area, I came across a few high-flying contenders. These included the aforementioned ginorma, one of the three labs, and a trio of walk-ins. The aforementioned ginorma is a bit of a pain to schedule a visit for, but it’s also the best bet if you’re on a time crunch. On the other hand, the walk-ins offer a convenient and friendly concierge-like service for an affluent clientele. Of course, this is a harbinger of good news for those who prefer their medical services to be handled by a professional.

One of the more pleasant experiences of these visits is the opportunity to get tested. This is especially true if you live in a high-risk zip code. For example, Richmond is home to some of the most sexiest females in the state, a demographic that is prone to STIs. Thankfully, this is not an exclusive club. As a matter of fact, the majority of STIs in this region are sexually transmitted.