TABLE OF CONTENTS
The three most common STDs in Lubbock include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In 2018, Lubbock ranked seventh in the state for the highest STD case numbers.
In 2018, of the 2,536 chlamydia cases documented in Lubbock County, 2,418 were reported in the city of Lubbock. Countywide, this STD is diagnosed at a frequency of 825 cases per 100,000 people, which is considerably higher than both the state rate of 508 and the national rate of 540. Chlamydia most commonly occurs in young people, with those aged 15-24 accounting for nearly two-thirds of infections nationwide. The majority of those diagnosed with chlamydia are female; however, the frequency among men has increased considerably in recent years. In 2011, Texas males were diagnosed with chlamydia at a rate of 229 per 100,000 people. By 2018, the frequency increased to 317.
Between 2011 and 2018, the number of gonorrhea infections in Lubbock County increased significantly, and in 2018, the county ranked fifth in the state for the highest gonorrhea rates. There were 664 documented cases in 2011, which corresponds to a frequency of 247 infections per 100,000 people. In 2018, the number of infections increased by roughly 89% to 1,254, and the frequency increased by 65% to 407. Of the county’s total infections in 2018, 1,206 were reported in the city of Lubbock. While anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, this STD is particularly common in adolescents and young adults. In 2018, among Texans aged 15-24, gonorrhea was documented at a frequency of 580 per 100,000 people, compared to the statewide rate of 164.
Between 2017 and 2018, documented cases of syphilis in Texas increased by nearly 11%, with males accounting for the majority of infections. Statewide, total syphilis cases were reported in males at a frequency of 70 infections per 100,000 people and at a rate of 20 in females. Nearly 40% of the total number of infections was disclosed in those aged 25-34. In Lubbock County, there were 97 total syphilis cases documented in 2018, which is more than double the number reported in 2011. Of the county’s cases, 42 were primary and secondary syphilis infections, and all but four of those cases were diagnosed in the city of Lubbock.
Regular STD screenings are one of the most important things sexually active people can do for their health. Many STDs have no or very minimal symptoms at the beginning. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 13 to 64 be tested for HIV and STDs at least once in their lifetime or more often depending on their lifestyle. If you don’t feel comfortable discussing STDs with your regular doctor or if you’re looking for affordable testing options, the Lubbock region has several clinics that offer free or low-cost testing.
The City of Lubbock Health Department operates an STD clinic that provides confidential testing services for gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and other STDs as needed. Patients pay a small fee that covers the clinic visit, testing, and treatment, and referrals to physicians are required for the treatment of certain STDs. The clinic doesn’t supply or stock medications, but patients who test positive for an STD are given a written prescription to take to their preferred pharmacy. Appointments are required for testing services and can be made by calling the clinic.
806 18th Street
Lubbock, TX 79401
806-775-2933
Website
The Free Clinic is a student-run free clinic that serves the at-risk population in Lubbock, including those who don’t have health insurance or a primary care physician. Its team of volunteers includes community physicians, pharmacists, nurses, social workers, and Texas Tech University premed students. The clinic provides a full array of services, including women’s health care; influenza, Tdap, HPV, Zostavax, and Pneumovax vaccines; lab work; and testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The clinic also provides social support, such as referrals, low-cost dental services, housing assistance, and medical education. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the clinic or emailing [email protected].
2707 34th Street
Lubbock, TX 79410
806-799-4329
Website
The Texas Department of State Health Services operates several clinics throughout the state, including one in Lubbock. At this location, individuals receive an array of services, including immunizations, dental services, vision and hearing screenings, and STD services. The clinic operates the STD/HIV Prevention Program, which provides medical consultations, clinical services for diagnosing and treatment, partner notification, and some STD medications.
6302 Iola Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79424
806-783-6437
Website
Parkridge Medical Clinic specializes in women’s health issues and provides a full array of services for women and their partners. Along with pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and options education, the clinic offers STD testing and treatment. Clients are tested for common STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, HPV, and HIV, and screening is available for herpes, genital warts, scabies, and molluscum. Referrals are provided for syphilis testing. Depending on test results, the clinic dispenses free treatment and care. To schedule an appointment, clients can call the clinic between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. Next-day appointments are available.
5203 79th Street, Suite A
Lubbock, TX 79424
806-794-8555
Website
Texas Tech University partners with the Lubbock Health Department to provide free STD testing to students once per semester. Testing includes a urine sample for chlamydia and gonorrhea and a blood test for syphilis and HIV. Urine and blood samples are taken on-site, and results are available within two weeks. The clinic also provides free HPV vaccines for those with health insurance. No appointments are needed for service.
1003 Flint Avenue
Lubbock, TX 79409
806-742-2110
Website