Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) continue to reach record-level numbers across the United States, with young adults, 15 to 24 years old, accounting for more than 60% of the reported chlamydia diagnoses and more than 50% of gonorrhea diagnoses in 2017.
Overall, the CDC has found the rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis — the three most commonly reported STIs in the nation — are at an all-time high, especially among young adults.
- Get Yourself Tested: Although treatable and curable, majority of affected persons experience no symptoms, leaving most cases going undiagnosed and untreated. When left untreated, a STD can put you at risk for severe and potentially permanent health effects.
To help battle the alarming and rising trends of STIs, Pat Walker Health Center is expanding its “Get Yourself Tested” (GYT) walk-in testing clinic for chlamydia and gonorrhea — the two most common STIs among college students.
- The walk-in clinic — which operates out of the Primary Care Clinic — is now available all hours the health center is open, including evening and weekend hours.
The GYT Clinic offers simple, easy and convenient urine testing for patients experiencing no symptoms, and results are typically returned within 2-3 business days. The cost of the exam is $40 for self-pay/student account; however, the test can also be billed to your insurance provider (it is always a good idea to be aware of what your medical insurance covers).
- Patients with symptoms should schedule an appointment with a medical provider for further evaluation and additional testing.
Questions? Go to health.uark.edu or call 479-575-4451.