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STD Testing Now Can Be Done at HomeKits can be ordered at iwantthekit.org.Related Content
Health officials say part of the reason for Alaska's extremely high rates of sexually transmitted diseases might be that not enough people get tested for them. Now there's a way Alaskans can get tested for STDs in the privacy of their homes. With some sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, people who are infected might not have any symptoms and don't think about getting tested. And with Alaska's size and logistical issues, there are other barriers to STD testing. "In a remote village also the issue sometimes is confidentiality because people don't necessarily want to go to a clinic where they know everybody," said Connie Jessen of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Through the consortium, STD testing is now easier than ever. And it's free. Any Alaskan can make a phone call or go on-line to order an easy-to-use STD kit for home testing. "All they have to do is they use the Q-tip -- what's called a swab -- to collect a specimen and then they put it in a vial and that one gets put into one of those plastic bags -- bio-hazard plastic bags -- put in an envelope; contact form has to be filled out, and it gets sent back to Johns Hopkins. And on the contact form they just tell us how they want to be contacted, what is the best way to get ahold of them." Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore started the 'I Want the Kit' program in 2004. It's now being offered in Alaska through a federal grant from the Indian Health Service. And Dr. Jay Butler, director of community health services for the consortium, says the need is great here to do something to bring down the rates of STD infection. Alaska led the nation last year in chlamydia and had the second highest rate of gonorrhea. "So the trend tends to be, the more rural states, the states that have more poverty, are the states with the higher rates of disease," Butler said. The kits allow testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomonas, all of which can be treated with antibiotics. "And that's really the good news. They're treatable. They're curable. There are a few exceptions with gonorrhea where we have problems with drug resistance. But generally these are a class of infection where we have the drugs to treat them. The problem is making the diagnosis." "Hopefully, I mean, the end result that we would wish for is a reduction in STD infections in Alaska. So that's the ultimate goal," Jessen said. "But obviously we're just one little piece of that puzzle. But I think it's an important step forward." Now it's up to Alaskans to make the most of it. Kits can be ordered at iwantthekit.org.
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chloe said on Tuesday, Nov 22 at 5:34 AM
I just want to tell the people that you are not alone even when you have an STD! There are so many people who have the same situation as you. Also, there are many online communities for you to find support and dating! I recommend you to read the STD inspirational stories on the largest STD support and dating site HerpesLove.net. Hope that you find the stories helpful and informative.
77319363Kid said on Saturday, Sep 3 at 3:14 PM
Since there is a cure for Aids/HIV how about STD.The 1st man being cured for Aids/HIV were very lucky we peopple with STD be it Herpes, Heprtitics or any STD we nee d a chance too, too be cure & not have STD to stop us from having a normal reletionship or sexual activities.
73348267jebbcao said on Thursday, Aug 4 at 10:07 PM
Living with Herpes is really hard, especially when you are a single. According to a report from the largest Herpes singles dating site SinglesHerpes.com, 98% of its members who used to be on a general dating site to find the love and support were rejected by others. That could be the reason that why SinglesHerpes.com is so popular and now has more than 560,000 members.
71845793HIVMatching said on Wednesday, Aug 3 at 6:11 PM
Although herpes is not curable for the moment. But herpes is not the end of life.If you are living with herpes or other STDs, please come visit us at POZRomance.c o m. Come and find your support and love,don't be shy and give yourself one more chance.
71777807me said on Wednesday, Aug 3 at 9:44 AM
But how do you get the antibiotics if the drs. won't do the test
71751427jebbcao said on Tuesday, Aug 2 at 9:07 PM
Dating in itself is hard, especially when you are dating with Herpes. However, Herpes dating sites provide the best place for singles with Herpes to date without possible rejection and discrimination. SinglesHerpes.com which is ranked as the #1 Herpes singles dating site by CNN, now has more than 560,000 members. It’s hard to believe that a Herpes dating site can have so many members!
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