Preferred Location: 40 N Kingshighway Saint Louis,MO 63108 Central West End Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 40 N Kingshighway Saint Louis,MO 63108 Central West End Change Location
For over a decade St. Louis has led the nation for rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. Recently the city dropped to a second place ranking, a move in the right direction but far from where it needs to be to stop the STD epidemic.
Between 2015 and 2017 numbers for the three most commonly reported STDs โ gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis โ all increased.
Chlamydia cases rose to 15,500, gonorrhea rose to 6,558 reported cases, and syphilis rose to 528 reported cases. These numbers were an increase from 417 syphilis cases, 5,200 gonorrhea cases, and 15,500 chlamydia cases.
Of particular concern are the risks to unborn children when pregnant women are infected. Congenital syphilis cases are on the rise, a condition that can result in infant mortality. In response to the incredible STD threat in St. Louis, officials are joining forces with the county and looking to hire a new city-wide contractor for testing services in order to provide better care for residents.
How do you protect your health? Through regular testing and preventative measures.
St. Louis offers many public and private std testing locations throughout the city for services to protect yourself and your partners. From the Community Wellness Project located on Olive Street to the Grace Hill Murphy-OโFallon Health Center on Biddle Street, itโs easy to find a testing center.
You can also take advantage of the cityโs free STD testing programs. Information for locations and dates can be found on the county health departmentโs website, though the dates might not fit your current health needs.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2ย provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.ย
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.ย
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.ย
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.ย
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Commonly known as EFA, it has been around since 1985. It is also one of the oldest organizations that first started concentrating on AIDS prevention.
While HIV/AIDS is still their primary concern, they also check for other STIs. The test is done by a clinician, after you have answered a few questions. Your answers will help them determine which tests you need.
The SPOT is a unique clinic that only accepts patients 23 and younger. It was started as a safe place for them to go for information, testing and treatment. Running solely on donations, they have created a place where kids can feel comfortable.
Testing is done by a licensed professional and results are back in 2 to 3 days.
St. Louis Thrive knows that women often put off their sexual health care. They want to change this. They have created an environment where women can feel comfortable and welcome.
The clinic has a full medical staff, along with patient advocates. This ensures that even if the clinic is not able to treat you, they can still help you find someone that can.
Planned Parenthood is a familiar name when it concerns sexual health care. They have a reputation for being one of the best nationwide clinics.
They perform a number of services that includes testing clients for STDs. While a doctor won't be present during the test, you will be seen by a trained clinician.
The city's department of health recognized that sexually transmitted diseases were a serious problem for all residents. In response, they started clinics that only test for and treat these infections. They also have testing for HIV and other viruses that are often transmitted through sexual contact.
One of the advantages of Downtown Urgent Care is that they are the only urgent care center that is constantly open within 250 miles. You can come in any day or time and find the health care you need. They do not treat emergencies, for that you will need to go to a traditional hospital.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Appointments are encouraged; however, walk-ins are accepted. To schedule an appointment and for more information, call 314.657.1584.
Description: Community Based Organization. Walk-in testing available Mon.-Fri. 10am-4pm. Other times by appointment
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Please call for walk-in HIV testing hours. Self-Testing is mail based
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Kaleidoscope: Youth between the ages of 13 and 24 years of age. LBGT preference. Free services.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Walk in STI Clinic hours are Monday - Friday: 8-11am and 1-4pm
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Walk-in hours listed above. Extended hours available Mon.,Tue., and Thurs., 5pm To 7pm. At home HIV testing kits: must be at least 18 years old, have a Missouri shipping address
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: pay stub, photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. Please bring proof of income when you arrive for your visit.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: Free HIV/STD testing open to all women. Walk-in welcome. Free Condoms.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services. Free syphilis testing offered in conjunction with HIV testing.
Description: Social Service Organization. Closed every 1st Tuesday. Only open the 1st Saturday of each month
Top STD Testing Locations in Saint Louis, MO
Primary Item (H2)You can come in without scheduling ahead. Though, there are also days and times when the clinic only accepts prior appointments. These times do change, so check their website. It might be more convenient for you.
Testing is also free for everyone that is 13 or older.
EFA is a staple in the community. They have built a reputation for helping people, regardless of their ability to pay.
While all testing is free, some tests are only administered on a need to have basis. This means that they do not routinely check for all transmitted sexual infections.
2653 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Age is an important consideration. The SPOT only tests and treats teens and young adults. Their age requirements are strict, you must be 13 to 23. Anyone older will be turned away.
Testing is free, you also can come in without calling first. Treatment however, may require you to schedule a visit first.
Sometimes it is difficult for teens to feel comfortable at a clinic that is mainly visited by adults. This is one of the reasons why The Spot was first started.
Their hours are arranged to be convenient for kids in school. This way they can still make it to class, without neglecting their sexual health.
4169 Laclede Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Appointments are a must. Often, you can get in the same or next day. It only takes a few minutes to set one up.
Testing is free or low cost for women. You can learn the details when you call. While men will not be turned away, it might not be a comfortable place for them to discuss any sexual health problems.
ST. Louis Thrive wants to change the way women talk about their sexual health. They want you to feel comfortable coming in and discussing any problems or concerns you might be having.
If you aren't comfortable coming to this location or you can't make it there while they are open, there are a few other locations outside the city. One might be better for you and the addresses are listed on their website.
4331 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
Unless you only want to grab free condoms or the morning after pill, you will need to let the clinic know that you are coming in for testing. If you want to shorten the process when you get there, book online. You can get a jump start on filling out patient forms.
If you are worried about paying for the test, call the clinic. They have programs that can help.
Planned Parenthood is a center that is familiar to almost everyone. You can receive the information you need to protect your sexual health, along with any care you might need.
The center is located on South Grand St. Not only is it close to restaurants, it is also on a bus route.
3401 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA
The STD clinic is walk-in only, just remember they are closed for an hour daily for lunch. Testing is always free, regardless of your income.
If you have questions before you come in, feel free to call the clinic directly. They also have a 24 hour line. The number is listed on their website.
If you have problems making or keeping appointments, the health department's walk-in clinic might be a good choice for you. Just go in when you're ready, wait times are also pretty brief.
Since the clinic is located outside of the city center, public transportation is not always available. There are other clinics that offer the same services that may be easier for you to get to if you are not able to drive.
4000 Jennings Station Rd, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA
This is an urgent care clinic so appointments are not needed. They are also open 24 hours, 7 days a week but testing is usually only done during the day and early evening. They are often too busy with non critical emergency patients in the late night.
Come in any time during the day or early evening. You may have to wait a bit, if they are busy but it is an affordable option. They will work with their patients when it comes to payment for services. They also accept almost all kinds of insurance and have plans for those that do not have any.
Parking is available but the lot does get crowded. This is a busy clinic. This is something you might want to keep in mind if you do not have the time to wait for awhile.
916 Olive St, St. Louis, MO 63101, USA
Like many others the city of St. Louis only promotes the abstinence only program in its public schools, leaving it up to parents and community outreach groups to teach teens about sex.
While recently state lawmakers did agree that โsextingโ and the dangers of online predators could be discussed in classrooms, educators are still limited in what can be discussed regarding safe sex practices and STDs. With teachers still being censored and threatened with fines and potential prosecution for discussing certain aspects of being sexually active, most health officials are resigned to the fact that the number of STDs and teen pregnancies will continue to grow.
The lack ofย education is not only in the city schools, but St Louis has also lost a number of its community health centers. Due to lack of funding and support from city leaders, it is becoming increasingly difficult for residents to get the education and treatment they need.
Without proper education many residents and students do not understand that not all sexually transmitted diseases immediately display symptoms. Regular HIV testing in St Louis is important for your health and those around you.
It is also important to get regular Herpes testing in St Louis.
Beliefs, both religious and cultural can make it difficult for teens to say they are having sex, along with causing shame and embarrassment if a STD is contracted. This can also result in men and women not being tested regularly for fear of running into to friends or family members.
Low income areas in St Louis also have a higher STD rate, and this is often caused by an inability to pay. The recent closing of many community centers has also made it tougher for some residents to get tested, especially teens who are afraid to go to their regular health care providers.
The lack of proper sexual education classes will always be one of the biggest contributors to a high STD rate, and St Louis is no exception. As more teens become sexually active at a younger age and peer pressure continues to increase, so with the number of reported diseases.
Another demographical aspect that has officials worried is the increase in intravenous drug use, especially among older men. Not only has this contributed to the sudden and continuous rise in Syphilis diagnoses, but it is also causing the number of new HIV cases to increase as well.
Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, St Louis is known for its iconic arch and great BBQ, along with its high STD rates which makes scheduling testing especially important. Call to make a lab appointment, and then enjoy a Rams football game.
http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/health/st-louis-still-ranks-highest-in-std-rates/article_8f3585f8-c896-5624-8176-569aa84fd009.html
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.