Health library

Q: Does STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing vary by groups?

Yes. There are some groups of people who don't get tested for STIs. For example:

• People of color.
• People who are under- or uninsured.
• People with limited access to transportation.
• People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or nonbinary (LGBTQ+).
• People who are undocumented.

In general, these groups have limited access to health care and therefore have limited access to testing or may be unaware of low- and no-cost options.

—Flor Del Hoyo, MPH, Member Health Educator

Q: Have dating sites increased STI rates?

Dating sites aren't the direct cause of increased STI rates. But they play a role in the way people meet each other. STIs are a higher risk during anonymous encounters. These are meetings between people who don't know each other. Technology and social media have made finding people to date as easy as the swipe of your finger. With more access comes more ways to engage with others. Anonymous meetings make it hard to inform your partners of being exposed to STIs. Plus, that partner can transmit an infection to others without knowing about it.

—Carlos Bello, MPH, CHES, Senior Member Health Educator

Q: What are the top STIs in our county and why?

In 2018, Kern County saw an increase in STIs. The top are chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, congenital syphilis and HIV. Risky activities, like having more than one partner, can increase your risk. Many STIs can be treated if found early. Some STIs can be silent in the body. If you think you may have an STI, you should get tested. Knowing your status helps you to prevent the spread of STIs to others. We encourage you to learn more about STIs. Visit kernpublichealth.com/std.

—Bernardo Ochoa, MPH, Member Health Educator