TABLE OF CONTENTS
Child Services/Teen Clinic
East Side Health Center
Manchester Health Center
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the three most prevalent STDs in Manchester and Hillsborough County. The Centers for Disease Control’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2018 reported the number of incidents of these STDs increased nationwide by 3.9% between 2017 and 2018, from 2,365,761 to 2,457,118. In contrast, Manchester’s number of infections dropped 10%, from 771 in 2017 to 694 in 2018.
The total number of chlamydia diagnoses in New Hampshire decreased between 2017 and 2018. Females dominated the reported incidents of chlamydia, accounting for 2,400 of the state’s 3,639 cases in 2018. The 20-24 age group had the highest number of cases that year with 1,582, followed by 25-29 year-olds with 842 incidents. This translates to a rate per 100,000 persons of 1,749.1 and 797.7, respectively. Manchester’s rate of reported chlamydia infections at 579.5 was more than twice the state’s rate of 271 and also significantly more than the county rate of 324.9.
As with New Hampshire’s chlamydia cases, the majority of gonorrhea incidents in 2018 occurred in the 20-24 age group. As a departure from the former, males represented the majority of gonorrhea cases. Of the state’s 611 total cases, males accounted for 423 or 69.2%.
Manchester’s gonorrhea cases increased by 48.5% between 2017 and 2018, from 136 to 202. Manchester’s rate of 182.6 per 100,000 residents was three times that of the state’s rate of 45.5 in 2018.
The state’s 20-24 and 25-29 age groups tied for the highest number of syphilis cases, with 19 infections each. One of the most notable aspects of New Hampshire’s syphilis data is that 100 cases were documented in males, which accounted for 94.3% of the state’s 106 total.
Although the 49 cases in Hillsborough County equated to nearly half of the state total, Manchester only reported three incidents. Even with a decrease in 2015’s reported incidents, the total number of syphilis cases across the state nearly doubled between 2014 and 2018.
New Hampshire has made significant headway in controlling the spread of STDs; however, continued vigilance is necessary. Untreated STDs can cause serious health issues, including infertility, an increased risk of HIV infections, and even organ failure. Because those infected with an STD may not have noticeable symptoms, it’s easy to spread them from one partner to another. Regular testing of sexually active adolescents and adults can help prevent further infections. Individuals looking for free or low-cost STD screenings can find several options throughout Manchester and the surrounding areas.
The Manchester Health Department provides the area with a wide range of healthcare resources. The clinic tests for STDs and HIV/AIDS and follows up with referrals and counseling. Testing is available by appointment only on Wednesdays between 3-6 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The cost is $25. The health department’s other services include flu vaccines, immunizations, and tuberculosis testing.
1528 Elm Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-624-6466
Website
Planned Parenthood offers services for adolescents, men, and women. The clinic’s hours vary depending on the day to accommodate its patients’ schedules. Its trained professionals provide confidential STD screening and treatment, HIV testing, referrals, case management, and HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. Its services also include primary healthcare resources for males and females in addition to emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, birth control, and abortions. Planned Parenthood offers a lower fee scale and accepts a number of insurance plans.
24 Pennacook Street
Manchester, NH 03104
603-669-7321
Website
Amoskeag Health provides a comprehensive range of medical and behavioral services for patients of all ages. Its professional staff offers confidential STD screenings and treatment resources for adolescents and adults. Services for individuals aged 14-20 don’t require parental consent. Amoskeag Health has interpreters on hand for a variety of languages and operates programs to ensure new mothers and children receive proper nutrition. The clinic’s hours vary according to the specific day. Its services are available on a sliding-fee scale for the uninsured, and select insurance plans are accepted.
145 Hollis Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-626-9500
Website
Individuals who live or work south of Manchester may want to consider seeking services at the Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services. The facility offers STD testing and treatment and HIV testing and referral services. The clinic also provides HPV and hepatitis C vaccines in addition to immunizations and tuberculosis screenings for children and adults. All services are confidential, and the clinic offers a sliding-fee scale. Appointments are required.
142 Main Street, Suite 410
Nashua, NH 03060
603-589-4500
Website
In operation since 1974, Equality Health Center is a nonprofit clinic that provides a range of medical and behavioral health services for uninsured residents. Individuals living or working north of Manchester may want to consider the facility as an option for such services as STD testing and treatment. The clinic’s other resources include HIV testing and referrals, birth control, gynecological care, and men’s wellness. Appointments are required, and hours vary according to the day. Equality Health Center accepts most major insurance plans and some university plans.
38 South Main Street
Concord, NH 03301
603-225-2739
Website