Health Department Advisers are uneasy over recent reports that suggest an advance in the variety of STD infections being reported. While the increase may not seem to be worrying to some, any increase in the number of documented cases can be combined with a surge in unreported infections. Although a primary concern used to be a lack of readily available STD testing, that is no longer the case with the escalating number of ways that men and women can access STD testing in New York. Both the state and community health departments have tried to make affordable testing available to people of all income levels, and confidential testing providers have also been a good source for confidential STD testing services. “Right now there appears to be a presumption that if you aren’t displaying any signs, then you aren’t infected.” stated one community official. “Nevertheless, any medical professional will tell you that many STDs display little to no symptoms, even though the threat of spreading is just the same.” The only way to decrease this accelerated growth is for all at risk people to obtain regular STD testing for all major infections. If you think you might be at risk, or simply do not know, the right step is to contact your county health department or search online for “STD testing services” in order to find a local medical laboratory that can assess your level of risk.