According to the STDs Surveillance Annual Report 2018 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2018 was the 5th consecutive year when most common STDs, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis (Primary, Secondary, and Congenital) cases went up. In NJ, the case is no different. Reportedly, one in two sexually active individuals aged 15 to 25 will get infected with an STD unless they take any action.
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Early detection is fundamental to addressing the STD pandemic and to prevent others from getting infected, considering that STDs are contagious infections. Regular STD screening and continuous treatment are all essential to ensuring superior sexual health. Most STDs are asymptomatic, and when left untreated, these can cause chronic health conditions, such as infertility, STD-related cancers, and life-threatening congenital issues in infants. Not to forget, untreated STD makes the individual vulnerable to HIV.
STDs affect men and women equally. Untreated STDs can cause infertility in both women and men. If a pregnant woman remains untreated, the infection is passed on to her baby either during pregnancy or childbirth. It is important to note that STD symptoms may come and go as time passes. But, this doesn't mean that STDs will go away on their own. It is quite common for STD symptoms to get mild, and you won't even be bothered. That's why the only way to be sure that you don't have an STD is testing. If you have had some sexual contact that can spread STD, such as oral, anal, or vaginal, you must find the nearest testing facility to get screened.
The idea of getting screened for an STD may seem scary initially, but it isn't a big deal at all. And most of the time, STDs are treated with medicine. And testing itself is a simple and painless process. So, why waste time? Get yourself and your partner(s) tested for STDs today!
600 Mule Rd, Unit 24A, Toms River, New Jersey 08755
10.7 mile
Tel: 7328180575
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
686 Rte 70, Lakehurst, New Jersey 08733
5.42 mile
Tel: (732) 363-6655
Appointment Required: Yes
Appointments preferred.
290 River Ave, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
10.09 mile
Tel: (732) 364-9696
Appointment Required: Yes
625 Clifton Ave, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
10.43 mile
Tel: (732) 363-6655
Appointment Required: Yes
101 2nd St, Lakewood, New Jersey 08701
10.69 mile
Tel: (732) 363-6655
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 New Jersey. 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.
Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.
Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
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 would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
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Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
New Jersey STD Data
HIV rates in New Jersey have been an area of concern for some time as the state has been ranked 9th most populated in terms of having HIV active cases. According to the CDC data, the number of
HIV patients throughout the country during 2015 was 39,393. New Jersey HIV/AIDS Report, 2018 indicates that the state had 37,801 active HIV/AIDS cases. CDC Report on the State Health profile also showed that newly diagnosed cases of HIV among adults and adolescents in 2015 were 1,190. The numbers have reduced, considering the current data. The numbers declined to 1,025 new diagnosed cases in 2018.
Of the total numbers, 64% of People Living with HIV (PLWH) were males, while 32.4% were females.
In New Jersey, Black or African Americans have been disproportionately affected by the disease. Only 18% of the total population of the State is African Americans, yet, most of the HIV cases were those of Black Americans. Black Americans or African Americans accounted for 43.9% of the total HIV cases. 29.3% of cases were related to people having Hispanic backgrounds, while 18.9% of the patients were White Americans.
According to the CDC, every 1 in 7 individuals living in the United States has contracted HIV and isn't aware of it. And Even though there is a slight decrease in the numbers of newly diagnosed cases over the years, the State of New Jersey still has a long way to go to become HIV free. CDC recommends that adults and adolescents between the age group 13 to 64 years should get tested at least once in their lifetime. For people living in HIV populated areas, testing at least once a year should be made a part of the routine health checkup.
In 2017, the NJ State Health Department approved $4.4 million in funding for a campaign to reverse the trend of growing STD cases. Between 2011 and 2015, the rate of incidence of new diagnoses for chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea increased by 3.3% per 100,000 people each year. Between 2006 and 2010, the overall incidence rate for STDs in NJ increased at an average of 5.6% per year.
The NJ Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Program, launched in 2017, will perform various crucial activities, including statewide testing, treatment, improving providers' outreach, and primary prevention via social media campaigns so that younger people receive the message. Furthermore, it will focus on education and surveillance of STDs in collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. Through this program, NJ state will offer free and confidential STDs testing and treatment, provide data gathering and surveillance services, technical assistance, partner notification, training, program evaluation, education materials, and managing health care service grants. It is also the program's responsibility to investigate females with positive syphilis serology to make sure appropriate treatment is provided before the baby is born.
The Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services sponsors HIV/STD-related events annually to create awareness about prevention and treatment. The department strives to reduce and prevent the spread of STDs, HIV, and TB and ensure that people diagnosed with any of these diseases are those vulnerable to infection have access to care and treatment facilities. The department also runs public awareness campaigns to inform the public about the dangerous nature of STD, and the threat it poses to infants, youth, adults, and seniors alike.
Considering New Jersey, HIV rates have decreased tremendously over the last decade. The percentage of reduction has been 39%. The number of new diagnoses of HIV has decreased from 1,722 cases in 2006 to 1,048 during the year 2017.
Individuals with a history of substance use disorder have always been at a higher risk of HIV. HIV is mostly contracted from using needles infected with contaminated blood, through sexual contact or the exchange of body fluids in any form. The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services dedicates an amount of $2.4 Million annually to help provide early intervention facilities to the individuals affected by substance abuse of any sort. As a part of their treatment plan, HIV testing services are provided to all individuals.
New Jersey HIV/AIDS Planning Group (NJHPG) is a collaborative program formed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and the Division of HIV, STD, and TB services. NJHPG works towards the provision of the necessary care and treatment facilities to PLWH. The planning group combines all the existing planning bodies in the state working for the prevention and treatment of HIV.
NJHPG also uses external funding sources such as the Ryan White Part b program's funds, which is a countrywide initiative for HIV eradication. These programs also aim to educate and enlighten the general public about preventive measures and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. Awareness sessions are also used to eliminate the stigma that is related to HIV and overcoming the health disparities in relation to HIV.
Different organizations are operational in State to provide the necessary support to HIV patients. Broadway House for Continuing Care is yet another organization that works towards the provision of healthcare services to PLWH. It has been operational since 1995 in New Jersey and is considered one of the specialized care centers for individuals affected by the virus. In addition to the healthcare services, Broadway house is also actively playing a role in the provision of educational, awareness, and rehabilitative services. Beacon Light Fund is another financial assistance program that helps fund medical supplies and healthcare services. The program directly allocates funds to people living with HIV who cannot afford proper treatment or other medical facilities needed.
Reportedly, 9,067 cases of gonorrhea, 35,239 cases of chlamydia, and 570 cases of primary and secondary syphilis were reported in NJ in 2018. This marks a 27% increase in chlamydia cases between 2013 and 2018 as the state recorded 405 cases per 100,000 people compared to 319.6 in 2013.
Conversely, congenital syphilis incidence decreased substantially in NJ from 772/1000 live births in 1998 it reached 2.8 in 2010. In fact, between 2013 and 2015, no cases of congenital syphilis were diagnosed in the state. But, in 2016, twelve cases were reported, thirteen in 2017, and fourteen in 2018 and 2019, respectively. This shows a gradual but sustained inclining trend in the number of congenital syphilis in NJ.
Another concerning fact is that NJ recorded over 7,100 gonorrhea cases, a disease that has grown resistant to antibiotics. NJ reported 1,300 syphilis cases in 2018, and men who have sex with men were the most impacted community.
Newark reported most cases of a single STD across the state, but it ranked 5th in the statewide ranking. The concentration of STDs was higher in smaller jurisdictions. Among municipalities comprising of over 1,000 people, Camden reported the highest rate of STDs in NJ, with over 24.6 infections per 1,000 residents. Clementon, a municipality of Camden county, ranked 2nd with 22.0 cases/1,000 people, and Hopewell Twp, Cumberland came third with 19.5 cases/1,000 residents. As per the data shared by the NJ State Health Department, in 2015, STD cases were reported in almost every municipality in NJ, with 40,000 cases reported that year, recording a 6% increased from 2014 rates.
According to the US Census Bureau, New Jersey has a total population of 8.8 Million, as recorded in 2018. The biggest ethnic group in New Jersey is White Americans (59%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (18%). Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and Native Hawaiians are present in minorities (2%) in New Jersey.
CDC has ranked New Jersey, 9th biggest state in regards to HIV prevalence. There has been a steady decline in the newly diagnosed cases in New Jersey during the last decade. During the year 2015, a total of 1,190 adults were diagnosed with the virus. The numbers reduced to 1,048 in 2017 and 1,025 in 2018. A total decline of 39% has been reordered from 2006 to 2017.
According to the NJ State Department of Health, the rate of primary and secondary syphilis was the highest among females (71%), with 34 cases in 2017 and 58 in 2018. Moreover, 30% of overall primary/secondary syphilis cases were found to be co-infected with HIV. In NJ, early and latent syphilis decreased in 2017-2018 with 13 cases. The overall number of syphilis cases increased by 114% (both primary and secondary syphilis), and the gonorrhea rate increased by 35%.
In 2011, the rate of primary/secondary syphilis was 2.6/100,000 people, and in 2015, it was 4.2 per 100,000 residents. Among the 50 states, New Jersey ranked 32nd in primary/secondary syphilis cases, reported CDC. It ranked 43rd in chlamydia infections, and the state's chlamydia rates among females were 2.4 times higher than men with 486 cases and 206 cases per 100,000 population.
For both sexes, the rate of common STDs increased substantially among people aged 15 to 24 years during 2017-2018. For chlamydia, the reported cases have remained higher consistently among people aged 15 and 24 years, whereas rates of gonorrhea cases are higher among males aged 15-24. Reportedly, 70% of gonorrhea, 20% of syphilis, 45% of genital herpes, and 63% of chlamydia cases in NJ in 2017-2018 were diagnosed in 15-24-year-olds.
African-Americans account for the largest number of STDs cases in comparison to other ethnicities. In 2018, there were 680.2 chlamydia cases/100,000 population compared to 41.5 cases in Asians, 234 cases among Hispanics/Latinos, and 68 cases reported in whites.
Considering the HIV data of the year 2018, 34,941 people were living with HIV in the State of New Jersey. The number of newly diagnosed cases during the same year was 1,025. Males have been affected more by HIV. According to statistics, 64% of the PLWH were males and 32.4% females. Most of the individuals with HIV were aged 55+ (43.7%), while 27% belonged to 35-55 years. 28% of the total diagnosis was that of young adults under 34 years.
One of the ethnic groups to be most affected by HIV was African Americans or Black Americans. Black Americans made up a total of 43% of the positive HIV cases. 29.3 % belonged to the Hispanic background, while the White Americans accounted for 18.9% of the total cases.
The report shows that the most popular transmission of the virus was sexual contact with an affected person. Most affected individuals contracted the virus from male to male or gay, sexual contact (57%).
The spread of the virus through injection drug use was around 20%, while 15% of HIV was spread through heterosexual contact.
There has been a significant decline in newly diagnosed HIV cases in New Jersey during the last decade. However, Black or African American remains most affected by HIV. According to the report, the rate of black males living with the virus was 8.2 times greater than white males. Similarly, the rate of black females living with the virus was 18.3 times greater than white females.
In the US, 24 states have made it mandatory for schools to provide sexual education, and NJ is one of them. The NJ Department of Education has decided to adopt age-appropriate and disregard age-inappropriate and extreme sexual content as curriculum, which has proven to be a huge mistake in the past years. Because of the state's inappropriate sex education curriculum, schools have become obsessed with increasingly graphic sexual lessons that promote risky and unhealthy behaviors.
The new sex education standard adopted by NJ will expand on topics like relationships, consent, and pregnancy and will include controversial topics of gender identity and abortion. School districts are expected to teach materials that reflect the department's approved new standards by fall 2022.
The NJ State Board of Education's new standard for health and physical education is aimed at promoting student health, safety, and inclusiveness. Local school boards are allowed to determine the curriculum and materials to use to teach the new standards. Parents, however, reserve the right to opt-out of certain lessons for their children.
An inclusive curriculum means that it will cover topics like sexual orientation and gender identity. The new standards will include updated lessons on consent, because it is a cause of growing concern in the educational department after the rise of the MeToo movement. Sexual harassment and violence are some of the important topics that the new sex education curriculum will include. Furthermore, schools are urged to identify factors important to decide about engaging in sexual behaviors, developing plans for pregnancy, and disease prevention.
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!
