Free STD Testing in New Mexico

In the USA, New Mexico ranks fourth in the number of chlamydia cases per 100,000 people (651.6), while the national average is 528. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most recent statistics regarding the rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, indicate that STDs have been on the rise in the Southwestern state of New Mexico.

Board Approved

Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial board

Discover Nearby Options

STD testing centers in New Mexico

STD and STI (sexually transmitted infection) are often used interchangeably, while both are not the same things. STD is a term used for the disease itself, whereas STI is the infection. The most at-risk age group for STD transmission is under 25 sexually active people. Therefore, it makes sense to get tested for STDs between the ages 13 and 25. But, this doesn't mean older adults do not require testing.

CDC recommends that everyone from 13-year-olds to 65-year-olds must make STDs testing a part of their routine health care. Those who practice safe sex or are in monogamous relationships do not need to get tested too often, though. Conversely, people who have unprotected sex should make it their priority to get tested, especially before getting intimate with a new partner.

It is a misconception that if there aren't any symptoms, there is no underlying disease. The truth is that most STDs do not show any physical symptoms, even for years. Sometimes, the disease may take ten years to show any signs, which often happens in the case of HIV. Similarly, up to 95% of females having chlamydial infection don't experience any sign or symptom of the disease. The average among males is 90%.

Hence, it is difficult to identify if you or your partner has an STD unless you choose to get tested. Unawareness about the importance of early testing is the primary cause behind the continuously rising cases of STDs and HIV. High-risk groups, which include men who have sex with men (MSM), those who have multiple sex partners, may develop gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis C.

Baby boomers, which refers to people born between 1945 and 1965, are also at a higher risk of STDs and may develop liver disorders or cancer if they have an STD. The reason being that back in the time, there was no knowledge of the virus, and testing was not a part of anyone's health care routine.

Pregnant women are also among the high-risk groups. CDC recommends that all pregnant women should be tested for STDs, particularly syphilis, at their first prenatal visit. Any ignorance in this regard will cause serious, even life-threatening consequences for the unborn child, such as premature birth or death after birth.

Quest

No Appointment Required

3005 South Saint Francis Drive Suite A, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

69.73 mile

Tel: 5059898538


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Labcorp

No Appointment Required

3901 Georgia Ne, Ste C1, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110

87.73 mile

Tel: 5052980963


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

5150 Journal Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109

88.91 mile

Tel: 5057971991


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

El Centro Family Health La Loma Medical Clinic

1058 La Loma Rd, Anton Chico, New Mexico 87711

16.41 mile

Tel: (575) 427-5036

Tel: (575) 427-8000


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

New Mexico Department of Health Guadalupe Public Health Office

Free condoms available.

117 Camino De Vida, Ste 400, Santa Rosa, New Mexico 88435

19.44 mile

Tel: (575) 472-3211

Tel: (575) 472-3143


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • Free Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing

Learn More

El Centro Family Health San Miguel Medical Clinic

275 NM-3, Bldg 2, Ribera, New Mexico 87560

35.85 mile

Tel: (575) 421-1113

Tel: (575) 421-2943


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

New Mexico Department of Health San Miguel Public Health Office

Fee condoms available.

18 Gallegos Rd, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701

44.36 mile

Tel: (505) 425-9368

Tel: (505) 454-0042


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Harm Reduction
  • • Needle Cleaning, Needle Exchange or Needle Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

El Centro Family Health Las Vegas Medical Clinic

1235 8th St, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701

44.76 mile

Tel: (505) 425-6788

Tel: (505) 425-5408


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

New Mexico Department of Health Fort Sumner Public Health Office

Free condoms available.

643 N 5th St, Fort Sumner, New Mexico 88119

56.58 mile

Tel: (575) 355-2362

Tel: (575) 355-7942


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Harm Reduction

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

New Mexico Department of Health Estancia Public Health Office

Free condoms available.

300 S 8th St, Estancia, New Mexico 87002

57.68 mile

Tel: (505) 222-6530

Tel: (505) 510-9247


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Harm Reduction
  • • Needle Cleaning, Needle Exchange or Needle Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

First Choice Community Healthcare Edgewood Center

Need to enroll as a patient.

7 Municipal Way, Edgewood, New Mexico 87015

66.19 mile

Tel: (505) 281-3406

Tel: (505) 224-8737


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

New Mexico Department of Health Anthony Public Health Office

Hepatitis testing for high risk populations. Free condoms available.

865 N Main St, Anthony, New Mexico 88021

69.33 mile

Tel: (575) 882-3121

Tel: (575) 882-3063


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution
  • • Harm Reduction
  • • Needle Cleaning, Needle Exchange or Needle Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

Southwest CARE Center Southwest Care Center Galisteo

SCC provides free and confidential rapid HIV testing and rapid hepatitis C testing.

1691 Galisteo St, Ste D, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

70.26 mile

Tel: (505) 955-9454

Tel: (505) 983-6520


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Rapid Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • Clinical Trials
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Southwest CARE Center Southwest Care Center Harkle

649 Harkle Rd, Ste E, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

70.43 mile

Tel: (505) 955-9454

Tel: (505) 216-9067


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Rapid Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • Clinical Trials
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Behavioral Interventions

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS/HOPWA

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains Santa Fe Health Center

730 St Michaels Dr, Ste 4B, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505

70.64 mile

Tel: (505) 982-3684

Tel: (505) 982-7204


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Do I have an STD?

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 Checker

Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in New Mexico

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 Mexico. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.

Private testing (Walk-in clinic)

This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.

Doctor's office

Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.

At-home STD testing

If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.

Community health centers and community clinics

One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.

Are STD tests expensive in New Mexico?

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.

How long does it usually take for results to come back for an STD test in New Mexico?

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.

For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.

Test Advisor

Types of STD tests

Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.

New Mexico STD Data

STD data & statistics in New Mexico


In the past five years, New Mexico has seen an alarmingly high number of STDs cases. Between 2015 and 2016, there was a 61% increase in the number of syphilis cases, gonorrheal infection rate climbed 40%, which is the country's 14th highest rate, and chlamydia cases rose 4%, as per the NMDOH. In 2016, the state was at number 11 in the country with over 470 primary and secondary syphilis cases.

From 2016 to 2017, there was a 3.5% increase in the cases of chlamydia, which was the 4th highest rate for chlamydia infection in the country. During the same period, New Mexico observed a 28% increase in gonorrheal infection rates, which is less than the rates in 2015-16. But, the state ranked 10th in the country for most gonorrhea cases. Primary and secondary syphilis cases increased by 2.2% during 2016-2017. Around 60% of all reported chlamydia cases and 38% of all gonorrhea cases were among 15-24-year-old people.

Several factors are responsible for this steady rise in the number of new STD cases per year. Apart from cutbacks in funding for prevention programs to lackluster sexual health education efforts, and constantly rising usage of dating apps are some of the key contributing factors.

Mew Mexico HIV Rates

In New Mexico, ethnic and racial minorities are disproportionately impacted by HIV. The overall burden of the disease has leveled in Hispanics. However, it has risen dramatically among American Indians. The disease rate is higher among African Americans despite composing a small fraction of the state’s populace. In 2014, around a fifth of all new diagnoses were in the Northwest Region. But the burden of prevalent cases is reported in the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

New Mexico has continually faced unique challenges when it comes to HIV prevention. The state reportedly had the second-highest rate of inadequate parental care, medically uninsured, and poverty-struck children in the country back in 2004-2005. Given the state’s large size and rural nature, most residents must travel long distances to access care. Due to this, access to certain services and treatment choices for the state’s residents has decreased significantly.

According to the year 2018 data from AIDSvu, there were 87.8% males and 12.2% of females living with HIV in New Mexico. Hispanics/Latinx comprised the largest group of PLWH in the state with 48%, followed by whites with 34.3%, and blacks had a relatively low rate of 6%.

In New Mexico, the 45-55 and 55+ age group is the most impacted demographic portion amounting to 27% and 36.3% of all PLWH. The 35-44 age group is the third most affected group of the population with 19% of all reported cases, and people aged 13-24 and 25-34 reported a relatively low rate of HIV infection with 2.8% and 14.6% PLWH in 2018.

The percentage of new HIV diagnoses across the state was highest among males, with 84% in 2018. Approximately 15.6% of all new cases were diagnosed in females. Moreover, Hispanics continued to register a higher rate of new cases across New Mexico, with over 53% of all new diagnoses followed by 18% for whites and 5.7% for African-Americans.

Racial and ethnic diversity has proven to be a huge challenge for New Mexico state health departments in improving HIV prevention services. In fact, it is among the most racially/ethnically diverse states in the country. Most ethnic groups differ in disease burden patterns and respond in a culturally distinct manner to prevention efforts.


State Initiatives to Reduce STD Prevalence

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has taken various effective initiatives to respond to the rising rate of STDs. There's a dedicated Disease Prevention Team (DPT) in every region. The team's main task is to provide disease management and partner services to ensure timely treatment. New midlevel providers were recruited at all high-traffic Public Health Offices (PHO) to expand the state's healthcare infrastructure's diagnosis and treatment capacity for various stages of syphilis,

The New Mexico Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention Program's main goal is to encourage a reduction in STDs and HIV incidences. Under this program, technical assistance and consultation are provided across the state. It also facilitates partner services, surveillance, screening, case management, health care provider education, and partner notification for the state's reportable STDs.

The Clinical Preventive Initiative (CPI) focuses on decreasing the burden of illness, increasing the chances of preventability of the condition, examining the quality and costs of services, and programmatic support.

State Initiatives to Reduce HIV Rates

The New Mexico State health department receives funding from the CDC to develop and implement scalable and cost-effective programs and policies to intensify HIV prevention efforts across the state.

Funding supports service delivery to the state’s most affected regions and communities. It also promotes evidence-based monitoring of the disease and routine program evaluation. CDC also provides funding to the New Mexico State education department for assessing health-risk behaviors among adolescents and devise HIV prevention activities. The state health department is also responsible for expanding access to youth-friendly and effective health services and education programs for delaying sexual initiation and reduce the rate of HIV infection.

Furthermore, the state has developed numerous innovative strategies and programs within the last three decades for effectively responding to HIV, reduce new infections rate, and provide quality care. Preventing HIV-related health disparities is another important goal that the state is working to achieve. New Mexico offers targeted confidential testing services across the state to identify PLWH unaware of their status.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) HIV Prevention Program, in collaboration with partner organizations, provided over 10,000 confidential HIV tests, including pre and post-test risk-reduction counseling between 2014 and 2015. To ensure access to these services to most at-risk individuals in the urban, frontier, and rural areas, HIV testing service is offered at around 80 partner test sites. NMDOH continues to encourage and expand the use of rapid point-of-care devices. This initiative was implemented in 2008, and by 2015, around 35% of all tests were performed via rapid devices.

The New Mexico AIDS Education and Training Center is the regional partner of the South-Central AIDS Education and Training Center (AETC). The department has partnered with Project ECHO for the creation of the New Mexico AETC-HIV TeleECHO program. It is designed to support providers unfamiliar with HIV so that they become proficient in HIV prevention and treatment in a primary care setting.

Age, Gender, and Ethnic Disparities

In 2017, almost 90% of all reported primary/secondary syphilis cases were among males, and among male syphilis patients, 85% were MSM, while the percentage of males who had sex with females was considerably low. From 2016 to 2017, gonorrhea rates increased for both males and females. The most surprising upward trend was observed among females as the rate for females aged between 20-24 with gonorrhea was around 33.5%, while the number of cases among males increased by 23%.

In New Mexico, there has been a 107.3% rise in the number of STD cases in older adults (aged 55 or above), with 63.5 cases per 100,000 population between 2014 and 2018. As far as the diseases are concerned, there was a 181% increase in chlamydia cases, 207% in syphilis, 146.2% in HIV, and 567.9% in gonorrhea cases.

The biggest leap in STD cases in New Mexico was observed between 2015 and 2016 when almost all age groups reported an unprecedented rise. However, people between ages 25 and 29 and 30-34 had the most cases. For women, the most at-risk age group was between 25 to 29, which was 37% higher than the previous years. For males, the increase was 51%.

In 2016, New Mexico reportedly had 167 gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people. The highest burden of disease was noticed in San Juan, Cibola, Curry, Bernalillo, and Roosevelt counties, whereas the lowest rate was in Doña Ana County with 117 cases/100,000 people. Nationally, there were over 490 chlamydia cases per 100,000 people in 2016. However, in New Mexico, the number was significantly higher for the same size population (629 cases).

Whether it is an STI or STD, both can have a dramatic adverse impact on the health of people of all ages. However, the rising number of cases among older Americans is a cause of great concern. That's because, at this age, people are most vulnerable to serious and deadly illnesses like cancer and heart disease.

Sexual Health Education in New Mexico

In 2005, about 5% of female and 12% of male high school students reportedly have had sexual intercourse before turning 13 compared to the national statistics of 9% male and 4% female high school students. In the same year, 16% of male and 11% of female high schoolers have had four or more sexual partners, while the national rate was 17% males and 12% females. The data indicates that the need to inform the youth about safe sex practices and maintain sexual health is higher. Sexual health education (sex-ed) is the key to achieve this.

There are two kinds of sex-ed options in the USA: abstinence-only programs and comprehensive sex-ed programs. The federal government funds both the programs while state legislatures have to decide what type of sex-ed they intend to provide. Out of 50 US states, 37 require sex-ed to be taught, and 26 of them favor abstinence-only sex-ed. New Mexico does not make it compulsory to offer sex-ed at all. Ironically, New Mexico has one of the country’s highest teen pregnancy rates.

In schools where sex-ed is offered, abstinence is highlighted as the ideal form of preventing pregnancy, and unregulated information is provided. States offering comprehensive sex-ed programs have observed a decline in teen pregnancy rates. However, New Mexico still does not mandate that schools are required to provide sex-ed. On the other hand, the state mandates that schools offer AIDS-related instructions and associated issues described in the Comprehensive Health Education Program. But the state has imposed a condition that the instructions should stress abstinence. The expected outcomes of such instructions include the development of refusal skills, decision-making skills, and the ability to overcome peer pressure.

Expand
  • Healthtestingcenters.com. 2018. Stds In America | Health Testing Centers. [online] Available at: https://www.healthtestingcenters.com/research-guides/stds-america/
  • Nmhealth.org. 2020. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. [online] Available at: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/std/
  • Soular, D., 2018. Sexual Disease Rates Skyrocket In New Mexico. [online] Lcsun-news.com. Available at: https://www.lcsun-news.com/story/life/wellness/2018/01/26/sexual-disease-rates-skyrocket-new-mexico/1026809001/
  • The Senior List. 2020. Stis & Older Americans: Where Does Your State Stand? - The Senior List. [online] Available at: https://www.theseniorlist.com/sti-older-americans/
  • Torres, C., 2020. STD Rates For Seniors On The Rise. [online] KOB 4. Available at: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/std-rates-for-seniors-on-the-rise/5659025/
  • Waters, J., Bartok, A., Smith, L. and Riley, C., 2017. New Mexico STD Program. [online] Nmhealth.org. Available at: https://www.nmhealth.org/data/view/infectious/2180

STD testing FAQs

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Concerned about an STD?

Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!