The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that every year, 19 million new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are detected in the USA since 2010. Almost half of the infections are diagnosed among young people aged between 15 and 24. The US health care system is badly affected by the growing costs of STDs as it has been touching USD 15.9 billion annually.
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Since most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea go unreported and undiagnosed, it is becoming more and more challenging for the federal government to curb this inclining trend in STDs incidences. According to the CDC, the reported STDs cases represent just a fraction of the actual burden of STDs in the country.
The situation isn’t any better in the US state of Hawaii. The state, reportedly, has observed a 20% increment in chlamydia cases since 2011, whereas gonorrhea rates have doubled, and there has been a staggering 150% increase in syphilis infections. Hence, in Hawaii, roughly 8,400 people were diagnosed with an STD in 2017.
STDs is an umbrella term used to refer to 25 infectious organisms transmitted mainly through sexual activity. STD prevention is a crucial aspect of an individual’s essential primary case strategy to ensure better reproductive health and overall wellbeing.
Although STDs incidences cost an additional burden of costs and complications for the state health department, they are all worth it because these are largely preventable diseases. Still, STDs remain an issue of concern for health care providers simply because most of the time, the disease stays undetected. The general public, health care professionals, and even policymakers have so employed a lackluster approach to intensify efforts to detect STDs early.
If left untreated, STDs can cause highly adverse and usually irreversible health outcomes along with pricey clinical complications because of the issues it can lead to. These include reproductive health issues like infertility, cancer, perinatal and fetal health issues, and HIV infection.
Given the stigma associated with STDs, people often find it difficult to talk about the issue with their partner or health care providers. They do not undergo proper testing for STDs or realize the repercussions of this ignorance. It must be noted that some STIs are just as common as flu.
Chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics and is the most prevalent STI in Hawaii. The 2nd most prevalent STI is gonorrhea, which is also treatable and, if not diagnosed at the right time, can cause irreversible damage. In Hawaii, the number of STDs proliferates from 611 gonorrhea cases in 2009 to over 1,400 cases in 2019.
Therefore, sexually active people should make sure they undergo STI screening every 3 to 6 months. The test is non-invasive as you only have to provide a urine sample or mouth swab. Given their asymptomatic nature, STD testing should be a mandatory part of your routine health care nevertheless. Don’t assume that you are fine and get tested at your nearest screening center.
68-1845 Waikoloa Rd, Suite 207, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
8.15 mile
Tel: 8088839697
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Need to enroll as a patient.
68-1845 Waikoloa Rd, Ste 207, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96739
9.82 mile
Tel: (808) 769-5160
Appointment Required: Yes
45-549 Plumeria St, Honokaa, Hawaii 96727
17.86 mile
Tel: (808) 775-7204
Tel: (808) 775-9404
Appointment Required: Yes
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75-5751 Kuakini Hwy, Ste 104, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
24.31 mile
Tel: (808) 326-5629
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to enroll as patient.
74-5214 Keanalehu Dr, Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
24.31 mile
Tel: (808) 355-5600
Appointment Required: Yes
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 Hawaii. 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.
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.
Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.
Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.
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.
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Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
Hawaii STD Data
Hawaii has bucked national trends as far as the growth and prevalence of STDs and STIs are concerned. However, when we compare the state’s STD statistics from the past five or six years, it becomes apparent that most diseases have steadily grown in Hawaii. This indicates that many people are infected with STDs and are unaware of their condition. In this state, STDs like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea are currently at their highest rates compared to the past 30 years. Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Hawaii’s STD trends are in line with national and global STI rates.
Experts claim that online dating is the prime culprit behind the rapid increase in STD cases. As per the state health officials, in 2018, there were 7,732 chlamydia cases reported in Hawaii, with 544.3 cases/100,000 people. In 2008, this rate was 463 cases/100,000 people, and the overall number of chlamydia cases was 5,972.
Similarly, gonorrhea rates have doubled over the last ten years. In 2018, there were 1,496 cases diagnosed, with 105 cases per 100,000 people. In 2008, this rate was 611 for gonorrhea. Syphilis infections increased to 180 cases or 12.7/100,000 people in 2018, while a decade ago, this rate was 3 cases/100,000 people, and 38 cases were reported.
According to Gerald Hasty, the Hawaii State Department of Health Harm Reduction Services Branch’s program coordinator, all three STDs are either near or at their peak rates currently, compared to the rates recorded 30 years back. https://www.athomestdkit.com/s...
Digital dating, as per Hasty, is not the only contributor because several other factors play a role in their increase, such as new birth control methods and advancements in STD treatments.
An analysis of population-adjusted chlamydia infection statistics in Hawaii reveals that the state ranks at number 32, which isn’t too concerning. But the fact that this rate is twice as high as the rate in West Virginia that has the lowest rate of chlamydial infections. The current rate of infections in Hawaii is 479 cases/100,000, while in 2012, it was 455.5 and reached its peak in 2015 with 494 cases per 100,000.
Gonorrhea rates in Hawaii also keep fluctuating, but currently, the rates are low enough to keep the state at number 42 among the 50 US states. Hawaii is one of the 9 US states where the gonorrhea infection rate is less than 100/100,000 people.
Still, it is three times lower than gonorrhea rates in Mississippi, which as per the latest statistics, is the national leader in this context, but roughly three times higher than Vermont. Vermont has the lowest gonorrhea infection rates in the US. Between 2016 and 2017, Hawaii noticed a reduction in gonorrhea rates, but since 2012, there has been an over 60% increase in infection rates. In 2017 the gonorrhea infection rate was 95 cases/100,000 per people whereas, in 2012, this rate was 58.5 cases, and in 2016, it was 102 cases/100,000 people in Hawaii.
The rate of primary/secondary syphilis infection rate in Hawaii is high enough to keep the state in the top 25 US states, but it is still far behind Nevada, the national leader in this regard. Hawaii recorded over 6 cases/100,000 in 2017 but compared to 2012 when the state had reported 1.7 cases/100,000, this is alarming. The number of primary/secondary syphilis infections reached its peak in 2016 with 7.8 cases/100,000. This means, over 288% rise in primary/secondary syphilis infection is noticed in Hawaii between 2012 and 2017.
The city of Honolulu accounted for the highest number of cases in the state in all common STDs. Out of four, at least three cases were reported in Honolulu. At the same time, it accounted for nine out of ten cases of gonorrhea, and three-quarters of syphilis cases in Hawaii occurred in Honolulu.
As per the U.S. census data, 2018, the total estimated population of Hawaii is 1.4 million. The biggest ethnic groups of Hawaii are Asians (37.6%), followed by White Americans (25%). Hispanic or Latinos are makeup 10.7% of the population, and Black Americans are present in minorities (2.2%)
According to CDC’s HIV/AIDS Surveillance report, the total number of people living with HIV in Hawaii in the year 2018 was 2,436. The newly diagnosed cases in Hawaii are steadily declining as the cases declined from 115 in 2015 to 70 adults and adolescents in 2018. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 in Hawaii was 204. The rate of HIV new diagnosis per population of 100,000 individuals in 2018 was 6.
In 2018, the number of reported chlamydia cases among NHOPI (Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander) was 700.8 cases/100,000 population. The overall rate of chlamydia infections among NHOPI was 3.3 times higher than the rate among Whites and at least 5.3 times more among Asians.
The rate of gonorrhea cases among NHOPI was 181.4 cases/100,000. It was 2.6 times higher in Whites. The disparity was evident in NHOPI females, who reportedly had 2.6 times higher gonorrhea cases than White females. NHOPI males had 2.5 times higher rates of gonorrhea infections than White males. This disparity was higher in the Midwest region compared to the South, West, and Northeast.
The primary/secondary syphilis cases among NHOPI during 2018 were 2.7 times higher than the rate of Whites with 16 cases and 6 cases per 100,000 people, respectively. The disparity was higher in NHOPI males as they reported 2.8 times more cases than White males, and NHOPI females had 1.9 times more cases than White females.
Considering the data from HIV/AIDS Report, 2,436 people were living with HIV in 2018. The total number of diagnoses during the same year was 70. 88.4 % of the males and 11.6 % females made up the total HIV-positive population. White Americans were affected mainly by the virus. 46.2% of the people living with HIV were white Americans, followed by 12.3 % Hispanic and 5.3% Black Americans.
The same report indicates that 47.9 % of the HIV-positive population belonged to 55 and above. 25.2 % of the population of 45 to 54 years was living with the virus. 25.2% of people were aged 33 to 44 years, while 26% of the HIV positive individuals were between 13 to 34 years.
86.1 percent of the HIV-related deaths were male patients, while 13.9% of the HIV-related mortalities were females. 44.4 % of the HIV-related deaths were reported in the White population, 13.9% in individuals from Hispanic backgrounds, and 5.6 % deaths reported in the Black American Population.
The most popular transmission mode of HIV in males was gay or male-to-male sexual contact (83.4%). 4.2 % spread was due to the use of contaminated injections or drugs while heterosexual contact in makes accounted for 4.3% of the transmission. In females, most cases were reported due to heterosexual contact (69.9%), while 25.5% of the cases were reported due to injection or drug use.
Most federally qualified health centers in Hawaii are Title X sites, which receive federal grant funding for confidentially testing and treating STIs. However, these clinics have limited operational hours, and they quickly reach their full capacity. Another issue is that they cannot offer this service for free. In the state of Hawaii, the out-of-pocket costs for a screening or diagnostic test vary a lot, and it doesn’t also include treatment costs, which could be several hundred dollars. So, the point to be noted here is that the government of Hawaii has to work towards making STDs testing and treatment more accessible and affordable for people.
CDC offers funding to the state health department to reduce STDs rates through scientifically proven prevention and control measures. The focus is on providing scalable, high-impact, sustainable, and cost-effective services.
Honolulu Health Center offers a range of STDs testing and treatment services, including the three common STDs and other STIs such as bacterial vaginosis, genital warts, HIV, trichomoniasis, and herpes.
Planned Parenthood is also quite active in the state. it offers STIs testing/treatment at all of its branches across Hawaii. However, since 2020, it is not providing free testing services because the organization recently decided to opt-out of receiving federal funding.
There’s a specialized STI/HIV Clinic associated with the Department of Health’s Diamond Head Health Center. It also handles up to 5,000 patient visits annually. But the problem with Hawaii is that overall state approaches have been lackluster, and the outdated sex education curricula further aggravate it. Although students can get awareness about STIs, they will not understand how the infection could be spread and transmitted to their partners. The curriculum mostly focuses on the extreme representation of STDs and uses scare tactics to desensitize students. While an ideal sex-ed curriculum should cover pregnancy prevention and STI prevention simultaneously and offer a realistic representation of STIs.
The University of Hawaii, John A Burns School of medicine, in 2015, has taken the initiative to launch the Hawaii 2 Zero program. The primary focus of this initiative is to transform Hawaii into an HIV-free state. The program provides awareness sessions for the prevention of the virus. Continuous research in the school of medicine to cure the infection is also being carried out.
Hawaii, AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, ADAP is one of the federal government initiatives that ensure medication availability for low-income groups. ADAP also provides financial assistance and accessible treatment options to the residents of Hawaii.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS program by Health Resources and Service Administration, HRSA is a federal initiative operational for the last 30 years for HIV-related funding. The program provides funding to the state organizations to provide medication, HIV treatments, and other critical services such as ambulatory services, food banks, and mental health services.
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!
