Free STD Testing in Oklahoma

Why Testing Matters?

Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, the three most common infectious diseases transmitted through unprotected sex, having sexual relations with multiple partners, sharing needles/syringes, and skin-to-skin contact, are curable with antibiotics. However, still, a vast majority of cases go undiagnosed, and infected individuals remain untreated.

The primary reason behind low diagnosis and treatment rates and a rising number of STDs cases is a lack of awareness about STDs testing. If a person remains infected for long and appropriate treatment is not undertaken, they get exposed to chronic health conditions such as increased HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), infertility, stillbirth, miscarriages, certain types of cancer, ectopic pregnancy, and congenital syphilis in newborns.

Since the common STDs are generally asymptomatic, which means there aren't any visible symptoms until the person gets tested for STDs, most people remain unaware of their condition. The situation is far more concerning than you think because the infection can be easily passed on to their partners, which can increase the number of at-risk people. This is called an accidental infection, and it is one of the leading causes behind the growing STDs rates in Oklahoma.

That's why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all sexually active individuals must get tested for STDs annually. Sexually active females aged 25 or below need annual screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea, while pregnant women should get screened for syphilis. Teenagers must consent to STD testing.

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STD Statistics in Oklahoma

Oklahoma ranked 10th in chlamydia infections in 2015 with over 542 cases per 100,000 people, whereas regarding gonorrhea, the state ranked 5th with 168.7 cases per 100,000 population. Teen birth rates and numbers are declining in Oklahoma. As per the statistics from the past five years, the state still lags behind other US states and has been recording one of the highest teen birth rates in the country. In fact, adolescents and teens report the highest number of STD diagnoses in Oklahoma. Furthermore, chlamydia rates were 2.4 times higher among women with over 761 cases/100,000 people than men, who recorded over 318 cases/100,000 people.

In 2017, the state reported an even higher rate of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. There was around a 7% increase in the number of reported chlamydia and gonorrhea cases compared to 2016, with a total of 31,779 cases and 29,716 cases, respectively. The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) officials regarded this as an alarming increment in the number of STDs cases.

According to the OSDH, the most significant increase was reported in syphilis cases, as the department reported a 36.5% increase between 2016 and 2017. On the other hand, Oklahoma has observed around a 20% increase in gonorrhea cases.

As per CDC's STD surveillance report 2019, Oklahoma reported 10,491 gonorrhea cases at a rate of 266.1 cases/100,000 people. Conversely, chlamydia cases rose to 23,518, with 596.4 cases diagnosed per 100,000 people in 2019 compared to 2017 statistics. Regarding primary and secondary syphilis, Oklahoma reported 791 cases with a rate of 20.1/100,000 people. A concerning fact identified by the CDC was the increasing number of congenital syphilis cases, as Oklahoma reported a whopping 43 cases in 2019. Chlamydia is the most prevalent STD in Oklahoma, followed by gonorrhea and syphilis.

Age, Gender, and Ethnic Disparities

Reportedly, rural areas represented a slightly lower rate of chlamydia infections in Oklahoma with 30.3% of all diagnoses compared to the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) that reported around 38.5% of all cases. In 2018, around 21,974 chlamydia cases were reported in Oklahoma, out of which over 69% were diagnosed among females with 15,282 cases, whereas nearly 31% of all cases were detected in males with 6,692 cases.

The 20-24 years age group recorded the highest number of infections, with around 8,005 chlamydial infections or over 36% of all reported cases in the state. It must be noted that whites had the largest share of chlamydia cases, with 39.9%. However, whites aren't disproportionately impacted by chlamydia as per race or ethnicity.

A similar scenario is noticed regarding gonorrhea as MSA still has the lead in the number of cases, with close to 40% of all cases compared to rural areas. In contrast, Tulsa MSA reported 28% of all gonorrhea cases. In 2018, around 8,998 gonorrhea cases were reported, out of which over 50% were females with 4,556 cases compared to males who reported 49.4% of cases with 4,442 cases. The 20-24 years age group was the most impacted among all, with 2,461 cases overall and a rate of 27.4%. Moreover, whites reported 38% of all gonorrhea cases.

In 2018, around 531 primary/secondary syphilis cases were recorded in Oklahoma, and over 72% were among males with 387 cases, and 27.1% were diagnosed among females with 144 cases. Heterosexual contact was the most significant risk factor as it accounted for over 54% of primary/secondary syphilis cases reported in 2018. Regarding syphilis, the 30-34 years age group was the most impacted one with 108 cases, and whites had the highest number of cases with over 52% of all cases (279 cases). In 2018, around 342 non-primary/non-secondary syphilis cases were reported, out of which over 68% were among males and 31.8% among females. The 25-29 years age group was the most impacted with 59 cases (25%), and heterosexual contact was again the most significant risk factor with 52.9% of all cases.

State Initiatives

HOPE Inc. is the organization responsible for conducting free and low-cost STD testing through statewide Equality Centers. Patients who test positive for STDs receive treatment doses for themselves and up to three sexual partners. Reportedly, 99% of patients who received the treatment didn't report re-infection within 90 days initial treatment period as per the OSHD.

The Ending HIV Oklahoma (OHHPC) is another important initiative in the state. It is basically an advisory body assisting the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Sexual Health, and Harm Reduction Service to promote coordinated STD/HIV Prevention and Care strategies. The state health department then submits the plan to the concerned authorities for implementation. Hence, the OHHPC plays a crucial role in carrying out the mission of reducing sexually transmitted diseases in Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department offers a variety of prevention and treatment programs to reduce STDs in the state. From birth control and STD/HIV testing to the distribution of free condoms, the department offers a wide range of services. STI Clinics are also available throughout the state to increase access to STD/STI testing and treatment.

References

• Grimwood , H., 2021. Oklahoma among 'alarming increase' in national trend of reported STD cases. Tulsa World. Available at: https://tulsaworld.com/news/lo...
• cdc.gov, 2017. Oklahoma - 2015 state health profile. cdc.gov. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/st...
• cdc.gov, 2020. 2019 STD surveillance report - centers for disease control ... cdc.gov. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/statis...
• cdc.gov, 2020. Table 13. Gonorrhea - reported cases and rates of reported cases by state, ranked by rates, United States, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/statis...
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021. Which STD tests should I get? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/preven...
• Healthy Teens Oklahoma, 2019. Fast facts. Fast Facts : Healthy Teens Oklahoma. Available at: http://healthyteensok.org/fast...
• McEachern, H., 2019. Comanche County ranks first in the state for specific STD/STI cases. https://www.kswo.com. Available at: https://www.kswo.com/2019/04/30/comanche-county-ranks-first-state-specific-stdsti-cases/
• Oklahoma State Department of Health, 2021. Fact sheets - OK data. Oklahoma Health Department. Available at: https://oklahoma.gov/health/pr...
• OKC-County Health Department, 2021. Sexual health. OKC-County Health Department: Sexual Health. Available at: https://www.occhd.org/sexualhe...
• Planned Parenthood, 2021. STD testing procedure: FACTS ABOUT STD Screening & Tests. Planned Parenthood. Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood....