Texas STD Statistics: What the Data Reveals – Updated Nov, 2024

With as many faces and places as Texas, public health data is key to understanding emerging trends and hotspots across the state. For years, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been a growing public health problem, affecting people and communities from cities to country. This post breaks down the latest stats and rates on STDs in Texas, the numbers, the trends and the counties most affected.

Overview of STD Rates and Cases in Texas

Texas has experienced a notable surge in STD rates over recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state has seen many cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In 2023, Texas reported:

• 149,787 chlamydia cases
• 53,699 gonorrhea cases
• 4,561 primary and secondary syphilis cases
• 930 congenital syphilis cases reported
• 5,076 new cases of HIV

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Texas 20th in the nation for chlamydia rates, 19th for gonorrhea rates, 11th in HIV rates and 23rd for primary and secondary syphilis rates. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective disease control and prevention measures to address the rising STD rates in the state.

Comparing Texas STD Statistics to National Averages

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023

How Do the Largest Counties in Texas Rank for STD Rates?

The largest counties in Texas, including Harris (Houston), Dallas, Bexar (San Antonio), Tarrant (Fort Worth), and Travis (Austin), have some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the state. According to the CDC Surveillance Report In 2023, chlamydia cases were particularly prevalent, with Dallas County reporting a rate of 782.9 cases per 100,000 residents, followed by Travis County at 681.7 cases per 100,000. Gonorrhea rates also remain elevated in these areas, with Dallas County leading at 359.2 cases per 100,000 people, and Travis and Harris Counties close behind. Young adults, especially the 15-24 age group, represent the majority of new cases across these counties, underscoring a need for targeted public health interventions.

Chlamydia Rates and Cases in Texas

Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Many people with chlamydia don’t show any symptoms, which is why it’s often called a “silent” infection. When symptoms do appear, they can include painful urination, unusual discharge, or, in more serious cases, complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or infertility in women. In Texas, chlamydia is widespread, especially among young people aged 15–24, making it a significant public health concern. While the number of reported cases has fluctuated slightly in recent years, the infection remains a persistent issue. Public health efforts in Texas are focused on raising awareness, encouraging regular screenings, and ensuring that treatment is easily accessible to help control the spread of chlamydia.

Gonorrhea Rates in Texas

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It often affects the reproductive tract, but it can also infect the throat, rectum, or eyes. Many people with gonorrhea don’t have symptoms, but when they do, they may experience painful urination, unusual discharge, or, in severe cases, complications like infertility or joint infections if left untreated. In Texas, gonorrhea rates have been steadily rising, reflecting national trends. The infection is particularly prevalent among young adults and underserved populations. Public efforts in the state are focused on increasing access to testing, raising awareness about prevention, and promoting timely early treatment to address the growing number of cases.

Primary and Secondary Syphilis Rates in Texas

Primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis are the early stages of a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. In the primary stage, a painless sore, called a chancre, appears at the site of infection, while the secondary stage may bring symptoms like a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Both stages are highly contagious and, if untreated, can lead to serious long-term health problems. In Texas, P&S syphilis rates have been increasing in recent years, following a national trend. The rise is particularly noticeable in certain communities, including men who have sex with men and individuals with limited access to healthcare.

HIV Rates and Statistics in Texas

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases. If left untreated, it can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a life-threatening condition. While advancements in treatment have made HIV a manageable chronic condition, new infections remain a concern. In Texas, HIV rates have been relatively steady, but certain populations, including young people, communities of color, and men who have sex with men, continue to be disproportionately affected. Public health efforts in Texas focus on expanding access to testing, promoting preventative measures like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and ensuring those diagnosed with HIV receive consistent care and treatment to improve health outcomes and prevent further transmission.

What Role do Colleges and Universities Play in STD Rates in Texas?

With over 1.6 million men and women students enrolled across more than 140 public and private institutions, colleges and universities contribute significantly to the state’s sexually transmitted infections landscape. Schools such as the University of Texas at Austin (with over 50,000 students), Texas A&M University (around 73,000 students), and the University of Houston (roughly 47,000 students) are some of the largest in the state, hosting diverse student populations that bring unique challenges to sexual health education and prevention efforts.

Here are some of the ways these institutions contribute to STD incidence and statistics in the state:

High-Risk Behaviors

• College culture, including alcohol use and casual encounters, increases the likelihood of unprotected sex, raising STD transmission and infection rate risk.
• Common practices like inconsistent condom use and having multiple partners (both men and women) contribute to higher rates.

Lack of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

• Limited or inconsistent sex education in high school and college leaves gaps in students’ understanding of STD prevention and effective contraceptive use.
• Misunderstandings about STD prevention and the importance of regular testing are common among students.

Barriers to Accessing Health Care Services

• Stigma, cost, and limited awareness prevent many students from seeking testing or treatment.
• Health centers on campus may be underfunded, have limited hours, or lack resources to adequately serve students.

Underreporting and Lack of Testing

• Privacy concerns and asymptomatic infections contribute to underreporting, leaving many STDs untreated.
• The transient college lifestyle and inconsistent healthcare access make it challenging to monitor and report infections accurately.

STD Prevention and Treatment Programs

Fortunately, Texas has a number of programs to educate citizens about sexually transmitted infections, and provide assistance to patients.  STD prevention and support programs are essential as they help reduce the high rates of infections across the state, particularly among young adults and high-risk groups. By offering accessible resources like free condom distribution, routine screenings, and Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT), Texas aims to curb STD transmission and make preventive care more accessible. Programs like Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) provide a new tool to protect individuals after potential exposure, targeting bacterial infections like syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, which have shown significant  prevalence in Texas’s cities and towns.

STD Testing Options in Texas

Private STD Clinic:

Checking out a private clinic is a reliable method for STD Testing in Texas. This choice has its advantages because you don’t require an appointment, the tests cover a range of infections, there are over 6,000 locations across the country, and results come back within 1-2 days. Your privacy is fully protected. Links to STD testing in some of the larger Texas cities include:

STD Testing in Corpus Christi

STD Testing in El Paso

STD Testing in Fort Worth

STD Testing in Irving

STD Testing in Laredo

STD Testing in Lubbock

STD Testing in Dallas

STD Testing in Houston

STD Testing in San Antonio

STD Testing in Austin

STD Testing in Plano

Local Clinics:

STD clinics that offer low cost testing or free testing services. Appointments may be necessary, and the timing for receiving results can vary. It’s advisable to contact them for information on costs, operating hours and appointment procedures.

At-Home STD Testing:

Opting for at-home STD test kits offers a convenient and private way to get tested. You can purchase a kit online or from stores/pharmacies, collect your sample in the comfort of your home and send it to a lab for analysis. The process can take up to 10 days with some companies offering different test panels vs. others.

STD Resources for Texas Residents

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Understanding STD rates and statistics in Texas provides crucial insights into the ongoing public health challenges faced by the state. While recent data reveals concerning trends in certain infections, it also highlights opportunities for improvement through education, prevention, and accessible healthcare services. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort from individuals, healthcare providers, and state health services to prioritize regular low cost testing, promote safe practices, and reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health conversations. By staying informed and proactive, Texans can work together to foster healthier communities and reverse the rise in STD rates and provide targeted health care.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)