Colorado's sexually transmitted infection rates, on the whole, are not among the country's worst. According to a 2018-19 study conducted by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the state was ranked 28 among the 50 US states for the rate of chlamydia. It ranked number 27 for gonorrhea, and in the primary and secondary syphilis (P&S) rate, the state was at number 33.
Board Approved
Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardExplore Nearby Options
County-wise, STI rates are the highest in Denver. During 2018 around 908.7 cases/100,000 people were reported. Adams, El Paso, and Arapahoe counties were two of the most affected regions in Colorado for all common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. It is worth noting that Denver has been reporting the highest gonorrhea and syphilis rates in Colorado since 2017.
If not treated at the right time, gonorrhea can cause severe health issues, including pelvic inflammatory disease, pregnancy complications, and may also lead to infertility in men and women.
Chlamydia is regarded as a silent epidemic since around 80% of patients remain unaware of their condition. According to the HIV/STD prevention program of Denver Public Health's director, Dr. Karen Wendel, those females who have been treated for previous chlamydial infection are at an increased risk of infertility or may experience life-threatening complications when pregnant.
Syphilis is another devastating bacterial infection that generally spreads through sexual contact. In the beginning, it feels like a painless sore on the rectum, genitals, or mouth and may go unnoticed. But, if left untreated, it can cause long-lasting negative health issues. Syphilis is a contagious disease as it spreads from person to person by contacting the sore's mucous membrane or skin.
All three common STDs are easily curable, and early treatment can prevent the infection from spreading. That's why, CDC recommends that every sexually active individual, pregnant females, and those with an infected partner should get themselves screened at least once a year or make it a part of their regular health evaluation.
360 Peak One Suite 310, Frisco, Colorado 80443
15.73 mile
Tel: 9706689607
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
360 Peak One Dr, Ste 100, Frisco, Colorado 80443
16.79 mile
Tel: (970) 668-4040
Tel: (970) 668-6699
Appointment Required: Yes
145 Parsenn Rd, Winter Park, Colorado 80482
23.33 mile
Tel: (970) 726-4299
Appointment Required: Yes
The cost of a HIV test is between $0-$20, based on risk factors of the individual. Please call and ask to speak to a nurse for more information on cost. Individuals requiring testing and official documentation for travel or legal purposes will be charged $20.
645 Parfet St, Lakewood, Colorado 80215
37.28 mile
Tel: (303) 239-7078
Appointment Required: Yes
1400 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, Colorado 80232
38.59 mile
Tel: (303) 988-3821
Tel: (303) 980-5399
Appointment Required: No
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in Colorado. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
It is recommended to get tested for STDs if you have had unprotected sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with STDs. Additionally, regular testing is recommended as part of routine sexual health care, even in the absence of symptoms, especially for individuals who are sexually active.
A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.
It can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.
It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
Colorado STD Data
The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) reported a steady and alarmingly high increase in the number of STI cases in the state. Over five years, there has been a nearly 200% increase in gonorrhea cases while the number of people treated for three reportable STIs in Denver reached its peak in 2017.
However, the infection rates in most rural areas reportedly exceeded those in the urban or more populated areas. There were thousands of chlamydia cases diagnosed in the Denver metro and fewer than 100 in other regions of Colorado, stated the CDPHE's deputy director for disease control and environmental epidemiology, Dr. Daniel Shodell.
In 2016, nearly 25,569 cases of chlamydial infection were reported in Colorado, which means 461.7 cases/100,000 people were diagnosed, whereas nationwide, around 497.3 cases/100,000 were reported.
In 2017 there were over 36,200 new STI cases reported in Colorado. Out of these, 26,995 were chlamydia infections, 8,478 were gonorrhea cases, and 818 dealt with different stages of syphilis. These were the highest ever figures recorded in Colorado for each of these reportable infections.
Chlamydia rate in 2017 inclined to an all-time high with 481 cases/100,000 people, representing a 23% increase since 2013. On the other hand, the syphilis rate was over two times higher than in 2013, recording a staggering 61.5% leap with 14.6 cases/100,000 people. For gonorrhea, over 151 cases were reported per 100,000 people, which is 182.3% higher than the statistics of the past five years.
In 2018, Colorado broke the record again in all three reportable STIs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Chlamydia became the most widespread STI in Colorado, with 29,124 cases reported in 2018 at a rate of 512 cases/100,000. The second most common STI was gonorrhea, with 8,894 cases at a rate of 156/100,000. This means, chlamydia increased by 6.4% in one year and gonorrhea by 3.3%.
The syphilis rate recorded a dramatic increase of over 32% between 2017 and 2018, as there were 1084 cases of syphilis at all stages reported in Colorado at a rate of 19 cases/100,000. The sharp rise in STIs has continued ever since, and now the state has a higher number of congenital and ocular syphilis.
Preliminary data from the CDPHE report revealed that from 2019, the dual diagnoses with HIV and STI are also on the rise, particularly for syphilis, and the number of syphilis, including ocular syphilis and gonorrhea cases, have surpassed the 2018 numbers. By December 2019, there were 26 reported cases of ocular syphilis in Colorado, while in 2018, there were 16.
Chlamydia is the most common infection in Denver, the worst-hit region of Colorado, with over 7,315 cases in 2018.
According to United States Census Bureau, the total population of Colorado in 2019 was 5.7 million. During the year 2015, the total number of newly diagnosed cases in Colorado was 37. Colorado has been ranked 25th of the 50 U.S. states to have more HIV-positive cases.
As per the data from AIDSvu’s year 2018 HIV/AIDS report, the numbers slowly increased to 399 newly diagnosed cases in 2018. The total number of people living with HIV in Colorado was 12,696. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 population in Colorado during 2018 was 265.
STI infections never discriminate between races, which is why almost every race, age, and ethnicity are affected by STIs in Colorado. For example, syphilis impacts men who have sex with men the most, but it is also reporting a sharp rise in women of reproductive age. Although the number is still not as high, with 30 cases in 2013 to over 70 cases in 2017, it is concerning that the numbers are rising steadily.
Eighteen newborns were diagnosed with congenital syphilis during 2013 and 2017, whereas males reportedly accounted for 86.2% of all syphilis cases. However, the proportion of females diagnosed with syphilis has been increasing steadily over the past few years. In 2018, around 134 cases were reported in women aged between 15 and 44 years. This means in 2018, 11.1 cases per 100,000 people were recorded, marking a 50% increase in the number of cases from 2017. Increased syphilis cases in women of childbearing age have caused a rise in congenital syphilis cases in Colorado, with seven cases reported during 2018 and 9 in 2019.
Similarly, gonorrhea infection rates are growing sharply, and up to 150% more cases were reported in 2018 than the rates between 2013 and 2017. Out of these, 2,703 cases were diagnosed in Denver. This increment in gonorrhea cases is observed in both women and men, while the greatest increase is noted amongst Latinos, followed by African-Americans.
In Denver, communities of color have reported a two-fold rise in syphilis diagnoses. Overall, males still account for over 90% of new cases despite that cases among women of childbearing age have been rising quickly.
Reportedly, in Colorado, birth rates among teens are going down, but STI prevalence is rising in this population, revealed a report from the CDPHE. These findings are part of the 2018 report titled State of Adolescent Sexual Health. This report suggests that Colorado has seen a drop of 61% in birth rates in people aged 15-19, while in pregnant teens, almost 72% were unintended pregnancies.
STI cases, on the other hand, are rising among teens in Colorado. Around 30% of gonorrhea cases, 23% of HIV, and nearly 7.3% of chlamydia cases between 2016 and 2017 were diagnosed among people aged between 15-29. Hispanic and black teens were three times more likely to get pregnant at an early age compared to white teens.
HIV-Specific Data
According to Colorado Health Institute, Denver, Colorado, has the highest number of HIV cases. HIV/AIDS report indicates that 12,696 people were living with HIV in Colorado in 2018. Three hundred ninety-nine adults and adolescents were newly diagnosed in 2018 alone. The same report shows that the rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 people was 265.
The virus disproportionately affected the male residents of Colorado. Of the total people living with HIV in Colorado, 87.2% were males, and 12.8% were females. 57% of the total HIV population were White males, 23.5% Hispanic, and 15% were Black American population.
Considering the age group that had the maximum number of people living with HIV, 39.7% were 55 years or above, 26.8% 45 to 54 years, 18.1% 35 to 44 years, while 15.4% of the total people living with HIV were from the age group 13 to 34 years.
AIDSvu HIV/AIDS report revealed that the total number of new diagnoses during 2018 was 339. Of the newly diagnosed cases, 90.2 % were male Colorado residents, and 9.8% were females. White Americans remained the ethnic group most affected by the virus. 44.6% of the newly diagnosed cases were White males, 36.8% belonged to Hispanic backgrounds, and 14.8% were Black Americans.
The rate of new diagnosis per 100,000 population by the end of 2018 was 8.
Considering the statistics from HIV/AIDS Report, 2018, the total number of HIV-related mortalities during the same year was 138. The rate of HIV-related death per 100,000 population was 3. 91.3% of the total HIV-related mortalities were males while 8.7% were females. Most of the mortalities were from the 55 years or above age group.
Most HIV cases in males were reported due to male or gay sexual contact (77.8%), heterosexual contact (4.1%), and 4.6% of the cases due to contaminated injection use. In females, most of the HIV cases reported were due to heterosexual contact (74.7%) and 23.1% due to contaminated syringes and injection use.
CDPHE offers partner notifications services for people with syphilis, new HIV diagnoses, LGV, and DGI in Colorado. Almost all health insurance plans cover STD testing for sexually active females and at-risk males in Colorado. At almost, all public health STD clinics, testing is either low-cost or free, and the process is kept 100% confidential. There are dedicated outreach and testing teams in different Colorado cities, such as the State of Adolescent Sexual Health, which offers confidential and rapid testing at various community sites.
Colorado has implemented the State Drug Assistance Program to help people cover the costs of expensive HIV medications, and Public Health Intervention Program is launched to help people pay for PrEP medications. Those residents of Colorado whose income is lower than 500% of the Federal Poverty Level, which in 2019 was $62,450 for one household, are eligible to subscribe to these programs.
Still, public health funding to deal with the increasing STD rates is insufficient to keep up with the outbreak, claims the medical director for El Paso County Public Health, Dr. Chris Nevin-Woods. In the past 15 years, the federal funding's purchasing power to fight STDs has decreased by 40%. The funding goes to local and state-level public health programs. Since STD cases are rising so dramatically in Colorado, it needs more federal funding to fight the outbreak.
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) has designed a Colorado HIV Alliance for Prevention, Care, and Treatment for the prevention, care, and awareness of HIV. This Program provides state-wide collaboration and data sharing with other HIV/AIDS service providers in the state for treatment and early intervention services. It also provides insurance services, medical and mental health services.
Colorado Health Network is a state-wide organization that provides services to over 5,250 individuals who currently struggle with HIV-related health issues. The organization supports people living with HIV to provide medical insurance, emergency and case treatment, financial assistance, nutrition services, and financial assistance. HIV testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis services are also included.
AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, ADAP, Colorado is a federally funded, state-wide initiative especially for low-income people living with HIV. The Program covers costs of medications, insurance, hospitalization, and other prescription services to an individual who cannot afford to get it otherwise.
Ryan White Part B is a federal initiative to support low-income groups living with HIV. Funds received through this Program are disbursed to local organizations that provide medications and outpatient services to people living with HIV. The Program also covers medical insurance and housing services. Services like emergency ambulatory services, counseling and awareness to general public about the prevention and treatment of HIV are also provided.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
