Many people at risk for a sexually transmitted disease are never tested, according to Aileen Gleizer, outreach educator for Planned Parenthood in Helena.

For some it's not having a trusted primary care physician. For others it's not having the financial resources to cover testing costs.

In recognition of STD Awareness Month, Planned Parenthood in Helena is offering free STD testing every Thursday during April, beginning today from 1 to 4 p.m. at its office located at 1500 Cannon St.

No appointment is necessary, and clients will be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, herpes, syphilis, and genital warts (HPV).

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, 3,094 cases of chlamydia, 121 cases of gonorrhea, and eight cases of syphilis were reported in Montana last year.

By law, all of these types of STD cases are reported, says Laurie Kops with DPHHS.

Herpes and HPV aren't tracked through state offices.

"We would never have the manpower to keep track of them," Kops said, adding that there are a larger number of these kinds of cases. "There is no cure for these. It's viral. You get it and you've got it for the rest of your life."

The number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases has steadily increased over the past decade. In 2000, there were no cases of syphilis in Montana. However, just as it is nationally, those numbers are on the rise in the state.

"We had a really good handle on it, but it hit a new group and it has increased," Kops said. "It reared its ugly head in the gay population and now it's taking off."

Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are treatable with antibiotics that cost about $20 and are available at or through Planned Parenthood.

The STD statistics are high for young people, Gleizer said.

"One in two people under the age of 25 will have a positive STD test," she said Tuesday.

Minors do not need the consent of a parent for any services at Planned Parenthood, and charges for other services such as birth control, pregnancy testing and menopause care are based on a sliding scale.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated April as a time to raise public awareness about the impact STDs have on the lives of Americans and the importance of discussing sexual health with health care providers and sexual partners. The CDC estimates there are approximately 19 million new STD cases each year, almost half of them among young people between 15 and 24 years old.

Kathy Wehri, clinic manager at Planned Parenthood in Helena, said this is the first time in her 22 years at the clinic that it has offered free STD testing. Not only is it good for clients to know their status when it comes to STDs, but introducing people to Planned Parenthood and its services and offering this free service are also valuable, she said.

Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com