The Bronx might have a rough reputation in TV and film, but there’s so much more to this borough that’s home to over 1.45 million residents,1 not mention the nationally-known Yankee Stadium. Staying on top of sexual health in this northernmost area of New York City involves residents at risk continuing to get tested and treated, when medically appropriate. Scheduling an appointment at the doctor’s office for STD testing can often mean waiting weeks before getting in, and the waiting room at a free clinic can be crowded. STDtest.com offers a different option that is discreet, convenient and affordable. Read on to learn more.
Whether you’re lounging in Wave Hill or getting a bite to eat in Little Italy, making the most of what’s in the Bronx is all about getting out and exploring the neighborhood. It’s also important be aware of the risks associated with STDs and that a simple test can clear up any questions, lead to treatment and eventually lower the number of infections in this metropolitan statistical area. According to current reports from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Bronx reports lower year-over-year numbers from 2013 to 2014 of HIV, AIDS, chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. In the state of New York, the number of syphilis cases year-over-year is on the rise.2-5
Who is at risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases? According to the CDC, certain demographic groups are at higher risk for STDs in the general population all across the country, including adolescents and young adults, gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men, as well as certain racial and ethnic groups. In fact, this government organization recommends that sexually active young women under the age of 25 (or older women with risk factors) get tested annually for gonorrhea. Other risk factors include never having been tested before, unprotected sex and being in a relationship with an STD-positive partner. Don’t let fear or stigma stand in the way of getting tested. The CDC states that all sexually transmitted diseases can be treated and many can be cured, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis. However, left untreated, these infections can lead to more serious medical issues like infertility.6&7
The sexually transmitted disease reported with the most frequency by local health departments in the Bronx is chlamydia, a trend that is seen not only borough-wide and all across New York City, but is the the most commonly reported sexually transmitted disease in the United States. With 1.4 million confirmed cases and 2.9 million total estimated in 2014, this is one of the most common STDs in the United States, but is not the most common (HPV is the most common STD in the United States). In the Bronx, 16,151 new infections were reported compared to 16,004 in 2014, a slight decrease. Gonorrhea is another commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the Bronx borough area. This infection saw 3,030 new cases reported in 2014 compared to 3,504 the year before. The neighborhood reporting the highest number of gonorrhea infections in 2014 was Morrisania for affected women and Fordham for affected men.2&3
HIV is a serious sexually transmitted infection that has a much brighter prognosis for those diagnosed today compared to the days of the epidemic in the 1980s. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and antiretroviral therapy have revolutionized HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment by introducing effective medicines that reduce viral load to the point of suppression in some cases, making for an improved quality of life for patients. In 2013, the health authorities in the Bronx reported 543 new HIV infections, followed by 520 the following year. Regarding AIDS, 436 new infections were reported in 2013 compared to 334 the year after.4&5,9&10
The New York City Department of Education supports comprehensive sexual education in all of the schools in the city limits. Comprehensive sexual education entails curriculum that is age-appropriate, medically accurate that offers multiple perspectives on sexual health and safety, including the importance of abstinence as well as contraceptives like condoms and birth control as effective methods of avoiding sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS and unintended pregnancy. Comprehensive sexual education also includes lessons on healthy decision making skills and an awareness of the community resources available that promote and protect sexual health.11
Creating an open dialogue between students, educators, parents and mentors is a great way to prevent the stigma and fear that can form around sexually transmitted infections. “Confidentiality concerns” is one of the major reasons that the CDC cites as to why teenagers and young adults are at high risk for STDs. The concern surrounding disclosing these risk behaviors to a primary care doctor, even though their information is protected by the doctor, can be an uncomfortable conversation that young people would rather avoid. Making testing a more normal practice for anyone at risk can only help to improve the better health of this population not just in the Bronx and in NYC, but all throughout the country.7
In 2014, the Bronx metropolitan statistical area reported 16,004 total chlamydia infections, and 10, 895 were attributed to women compared to 5,109 to men, which is line with national trends observed all around the US. Compared to the other boroughs, the Bronx ranked 2st for the overall number of reported chlamydial infections in this time period. Brooklyn reported the highest number of cases. While chlamydia infections traditionally display a large gender gap, gonorrhea infections tends to see infections reported with less of a disparity. The Bronx displays this, with 1,794 cases reported attributed to males in 2014 compared to 1,236 attributed to women. Age also plays an important role in the demographic distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in the Bronx. In this area, the age group with the highest number of reported chlamydia infections is the 15-24 year old population, and the 20-29 year old population records the most gonorrhea infections.3
The Bronx area health authorities contribute to the borough reporting 19.1% of the total HIV infections in the New York City area in 2014. The age group with the highest number of reported in New York City infections is 20-29 year olds, followed by 30-39 year olds. The racial/ethnic group representing the highest number of reported cases in NYC is the African American population, with 1,193 new infections reported in 2014. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a high risk for contracting HIV, with 1,620 new infections reported according to this data set. Continuing to reach out, educate and encourage high-risk populations to get tested, and if the results are positive, to get linked to care. This is an integral aim of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy of the United States, the plan to lower and eventually eliminate the spread of this infection all across the nation.5&12
Stress less and spend more of your free time in the Bronx doing something you enjoy, like a stroll with family and friends in Van Cortlandt Park, by getting the answers you need about an unknown STD status. Getting started with STDtest.com is simple. Just select your tests and choose a lab located nearest you from a national network for a short visit (usually 15 minutes or less) to collect your test samples, no appointment needed.
Test results are usually available within 48 hours. Our medical team is available for follow up to discuss your diagnosis, answer any remaining questions or even to prescribe follow up treatment, if medically appropriate and if allowed by New York state law. Get tested. It’s for your better health.