The Center for Disease Control estimates 19 million new sexually transmitted disease infections occur each year in the U.S.
Goddard Health Center and UOSA Health Advocacy are hoping to combat this yearly increase by offering its final Wednesday of free STD testing. The health center has been offering the testing every Wednesday in April, STD Awareness Month.
STD Awareness Month services include access to free Trojan Brand condoms from noon to 2 p.m. every Wednesday in the Oklahoma Memorial Union and free STD testing at Goddard Health Center from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Some people are taking wads of condoms. Some people take two; some people say they’re for their friends,” said Niekia Franklin, UOSA Health Advocacy Chairwoman.
There are no specific data on the number of students who have taken advantage of these services so far this month, but Goddard has seen increased traffic on Wednesday, Goddard spokeswoman Maggie Pool said.
“This is the first time we have done this, so we will see how it goes,” Pool said. “There’s been a positive response so far. At the end of the month we will probably look at the numbers.”
UOSA Health Advocacy officers wanted to provide more testing services for students, Franklin said. They approached Pool, who said she has always wanted to set up a free testing period.
Goddard offers tests for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis, according to the testing event Facebook page. Syphilis and HIV both require blood tests, but doctors test for gonorrhea and chlamydia from a urine sample, so patients must not use the bathroom one hour beforehand, Franklin said.
Normal rates for the tests are $25 for chlamydia and gonorrhea combined, $10 for syphilis and $15 for HIV testing, according to information provided by the Goddard business office.
At Planned Parenthood in Norman, these tests would cost $150 combined, which is a discounted rate, according to the clinic’s answering service. The Cleveland County Health Department regularly offers free testing, Pool said.
“Anyone who wants to put their mind at ease should get tested, but it is especially important for anyone that may have symptoms or engages in risky sexual behavior,” Pool said. “It is important to remember, however, that with some STDs you may not have symptoms.”
All the results are confidential and will be reported to the State Health Department to keep for statistics and tracking, Franklin said. The department also helps notify partners anonymously about positive test results.
Ways to prevent STDs include abstinence or non-contact alternatives, monogamous sex with a clean partner or using latex condoms, according to the U.S. Health Department.
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ajznkll 1 year, 1 month ago
Having HPV or other STDs is not the end of world. SingleHerpes,com says Over 70 million people are living with STDs in the U.S., as well as an estimated 400 million people worldwide. they have 600,000+ members, some famous ppl also find support there. wish you luck and find someone understand you.
Okie3L 1 year, 1 month ago
If you're having sex with people who you don't know if they have an STD, I shouldn't be subsidizing your STD test. Charge full price, please.
ajznkll 1 year, 1 month ago
We should care more about sexual health. CDC reports that Over 70 million people are living with STDs in the U.S. and the members on the largest STD support Singleherpes-com has reached 600,000+ . If you're living with herpes,HPV,HIV/AIDS, can try it out and find someone understand you.
herpesfinder 1 year, 1 month ago
Because of the unsafe s-e-x,I have herpes and I feel Iam alone in the world. But it's said 1 in 4 have herpes, so i joined HerpesFInder to find my love. Is there any one same with me?
caringstd66 1 year, 1 month ago
Honestly, I'm living w/ chlamydia for 5 years. It feels like the life I had ahead of me was ripped away. My friend told me an STD support site STDdatings,com..only for those w/ herpes, chlamydia, HIV, HPV or other STDs..no rejection or discrimination.got lots of help. most important, find hope again.
caringstd66 1 year, 1 month ago
I guess having syphilis is not the end of world. I'm living w/ syphilis for 5 years. It feels like the life I had ahead of me was ripped away. My friend told me an STD support site STDdatings,com..only for those w/ herpes,syphilis,HIV,HPV or other STDs..no rejection or discrimination..i've got lots of help. most important, find hope again.