A call to NYC Youth: Invest in STD Testing

In nearly all studies surveying sexual activity in adolescents the statistics show that “inner city youth” are at a substantially higher risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease than any other group in the country. Meaning that if you are between the ages of 13 and 21 and live anywhere in NYC, either the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn or Staten Island, you are at a higher risk than most “middle” American youths of getting some kind of sexual infections.  Which is why if you do live here, are sexually active and under 21 years old, you should be looking into STD Testing to monitor your health.

If you are black you should be especially conscience of these statistics. In the recent 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), as conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, black men and women between grades 9-12 are shown as substantially more likely than Hispanic and white students to behave in ways that put their sexual health at risk. For example 15.2 percent of black students reported having sexual intercourse before their 13^th birthday, as opposed to 3.4 percent of white students. And 28.6 percent of black students reported having sex with four or more persons as opposed to only 14.2 of Hispanics reporting so and only 10.5 percent of white students. Both of these behaviors, having sex at a very young age and having had sex with multiple partners, significantly increase the possibility of contracting a STD.

This is not to say that high levels of sexual activity should be condoned. Seeking sexual pleasure is not something to feel ashamed of; it is a natural human urge. So understanding and being comfortable with your sexuality should be seen as an intellectual, physical and emotional triumph that furthers ones understanding of the self and how it connects with other human beings. Considering this study, black youth seem far more sexually confident and mature than white youth.

But certain sexual behavior can also lead to chlamydia. Or syphilis, which the Center for Disease Control reports is an especial concern for young black men, whom are experiencing an increased rate of the disease recently. Syphilis infection is also more active in people between the ages of 15-24. And if you’re gay you’re even more likely to contract it, as the CDC notes that 63 percent of reported cases came from men who have sex with other men.

Again, these are just numbers. They do not condone behavior but are meant to increase awareness, and hopefully inspire caution in sexually active persons.

Yet how does one stay cautious? Conflicting about these numbers is how, even though black youth seem to be more sexually active and statistically have higher rates of STDs, the 2009 YRBS shows that black students proved more responsible in their use of condoms during intercourse relative to Hispanic and white students. So how else can one stay cautious, if condoms aren’t enough?

You need to seek STD treatment, regularly. Condoms aren’t always an effective way to prevent STIs. They do not cover all of the skin, and they are known to break. If you do not know you have an STD you put every one of your sexual partners at risk.

These statistics don’t reflect racial or gender behavior, they reflect city behavior. Inner city youth are more susceptible to STDs because there are more people to spread them. And there are higher concentrations of young, black men in city settings more than anywhere else. The more people, the more likely you are to come across someone who unknowingly has an STD. Stop the cycle, protect your city, get tested.

If you’re feeling timid, visit this STD Testing Clinic. The staff is incredibly respectful and sensitive to your privacy. Their doctors also know all the latest procedures and treatment to protect your health if you end up being positive for anything. If you’re interested, log onto STD Testing NYC or call 1-212-696-5900 to make an appointment.