Sunday, April 24, 2011

Living in NYC—Why an STD Clinic is Important

It’s as easy to catch a sexually transmitted disease here, as it is a bus. Though as much as we’d like to think our city is special, the fact is if it’s not NYC, it’s Chicago, Los Angeles or Seattle, Washington. Simply stated, STDs are a huge problem in the United States. In America STDs top the list of infectious diseases. When searching for a clinic make sure there is a board-certified doctor on staff and that your discretion is assured. Catching an STD in NYC gives new meaning to the phrase, “If you can MAKE IT here…”

No matter where you make it, the fact is that an STD is the possible result—that and a child. Unless a family is what you’re aiming for, take all precautions while engaging in sexual activity. If you’re new to having sex, or you’re an old pro but haven’t been tested recently, it’s time to find an STD clinic.

There are tons of options in choosing an STD testing in NYC. We’re number one in restaurants, the arts…and healthcare. This is one thing that cannot be argued with. Plus, if you argue with a New Yorker, chances are he’ll win. Even if he needs to fight dirty!

Remember the realties of what it is we’re dealing with here in NYC:

Herpes: More than one quarter of the adults in NYC are infected with the herpes virus. A 26% rate compared to a 19% national average.


HIV/AIDS: Of all the states in America, NYC has the most cases of HIV and AIDS.


Chlamydia: In NYC rates are twice as high in women than as in men.


Gonorrhea: Out of 100,000 people over 88 are infected. Ranking it approximately 23rd out of the 50 states.

Syphilis: There has been an alarming reemergence of this very serious disease in the last decade or so.

Hepatitis: Rates have taken a dramatic turn for the better. In 1995 rates were approximately 12% per 100,000 people, today that is down to 1.5%. Rare good news!

As one can easily ascertain, STD rates in NYC are following the national trend, that is, things aren’t getting much better at all. Locating a clinic and being tested is one way to arm against them. For when one learns that they are suffering from an illness, it is the time to begin treating it.

Thankfully, each and every HIV test is quick and painless. Result times vary, but all are rather fast, thus affording ample time to medicate. When visiting an STD clinic one can expect the doctor to ask questions regarding sexual history, number of partners, use of condoms, etc.

It is important to give honest and truthful answers to these questions, even if you feel a tinge of embarrassment. Truthful answers can guarantee the best possible care. Be assured that STD clinics take privacy extremely seriously and there is no chance of your personal information being shared with others.

In NYC, just two blocks from Grand Central Station, there is a highly regarded STD clinic. In order to make an appointment, simply call 1-212-696-5900 or log onto STD Testing Clinic NYC. Their caring staff understands that some individuals may be apprehensive and will therefore take their time with the process. As proud New Yorkers, let us attempt to turn the tide against STD infection.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Only the First Visit is Difficult: What to Expect at an STD Clinic

If you are old enough to engage in sexual activity, you are old enough to take responsibility for your actions. Like everything else in life, things come with strings attached—it’s not all fun and games. (Sex, however, is the closest thing to fun and games that you can get!) Deciding to have sex is a big step, but now that you’ve taken it you must also take responsibility for your health and the health of your partner. The best way to face this responsibility head-on is to get to an STD clinic.

It may be hard to wrap your head around, but with your decision to have sex you’ve stepped into the grown-up world. The national average is that 7 out of 10 teenagers have sex by their 19th birthday. That’s a ton of people running around not knowing what is expected of them. Take charge of your sexual health right now—in the beginning. Aren’t there are bunch of things you’d like to do before you have children? Hopefully, you have dreams that go far beyond dirty diapers.

Let’s get some facts straight before we continue: There are over 25 different Sexually Transmitted Diseases and 19,000,000 Americans will catch one of them this year alone! Another frightening fact is that STD’s are the most common infectious disease in the U.S. You may think you’re “getting lucky,” but that luck will stop in a heartbeat if you catch an STD

The thought of visiting an STD clinic may be a frightening one, but it shouldn’t be. Their staffs are always extremely pleasant and understanding, and they pay extra attention to patients new to the process. The following is a list of just SOME of the dangers of having sexual relations, at any age, and what to expect if they test for them.

Herpes
If you notice any fever blisters or cold sores around your mouth (not too important) or on your private parts (VERY important) it is recommended you have testing done. The Herpes test consists of taking a culture from one of the blisters. The usual method is painless swabbing.

HIV/AIDS
This STD is still a huge problem in America. It is a disease that is often fatal as it continues to break down the body’s immune system. There are over 1,000,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S. today and it is estimated that there are an additional 250,000 who may be infected but unaware of it. Just another reason why testing is so important. HIV testing consists of a blood test.

HPV/Genital Warts
Not a pretty picture. Symptoms include flesh-colored bumps or warts around the privates. There are some types of genital warts that can cause cervical cancer in women. This is why early detection and treatment are so important. The test consists of a visual inspection.

If you are beginning to have sex regularly, or if you have had sex even one time, a visit to an STD clinic should be in your near future. Remember, there is nothing more frightening than the unknown. After one visit you will think to yourself, “What was all the fuss about?”

If you live in New York City or one of its boroughs, a good place to start may be The STD Clinic New York City. Their patients are always treated politely and discreetly by trained professionals. Check out their STD Testing NYC website or just call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a person and make an appointment. Do it. There’s no time like now to do something nice for yourself—and your significant other.