Preferred Location: 810 St Vincents Dr Pob 2 107 Birmingham,AL 35205 Highland Park Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 810 St Vincents Dr Pob 2 107 Birmingham,AL 35205 Highland Park Change Location
The city of Birmingham ranks as the 36th most sexually diseased city in the nation. Current rate of disease incidence sits at 1,101 cases per 100,000 residents. This meant there were over 7,000 new STD cases diagnosed last year alone. This outpaces the state average of 1,000 cases per 100,000 residents.
Young adults are at the highest risk for contracting an STD.
Many STDs go untreated because they can often present without symptoms, meaning testing is the only sure way to know if one is infected. Local organizations and clinics are rising to the call of trying to decrease disease transmission and increase public health through spreading education and safer sex practices.
Condoms can be procured at many locations., along with free STD testing. Measures like smartphone apps are being deployed to help increase knowledge and testing frequency.
Birmingham has many testing locations: Birmingham Health Care on 25th Street North, the Alabama Department of Public Health on 6th Avenue South, and the University of Alabama Birmingham has testing services on 20th Street South.
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.
The HUB is a resource center that focuses on men of color. They do not discriminate, but they do deal primarily with men that identify as being African American. The clinic is working to enrich these mens lives, by providing them access to social and medical resources.
One of these resources is HIV screenings.
The mission of the 1917 Clinic is meeting the needs of their patients, families and significant others that are living with HIV/AIDS. Part of the UAB health system they have access to some of the best medical care. They also have over 25 years of experience dealing with the virus.
Her Choice is a pregnancy health and resource center that does have some STD testing. They know that STDs can comprise a woman's pregnancy or her ability to become pregnant.
Counselors will be with you when you are tested. They do not have rapid testing so results do take a while to come back.
Planned Parenthood has been a pioneer in sexual health care since 1916. Over the decades they have grown and stayed current with or led advances in medical treatment. One of their programs is screenings clients for sexually transmitted diseases.
They do have rapid HIV testing, along with conventional screenings.
American Family Care is working to provide accessible, affordable, and convenient non-emergency medical care. They have over 35 years of experience.
Their urgent care team understands that your primary doctor may not always be available, which is why they are open seven days a week for their patients.
Quick Care is a family medical center that provides urgent and primary care to families in the area. It was founded by Dr. Parsa in 2003 as another alternative to non life threatening health problems that were previously sending residents to hospital emergency rooms.
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: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Community Based Organization, Services for LGBTQ individuals and their allies. Please contact center to determine if your insurance provider is accepted. closed Mon. through Thurs. at 12noon-12:30pm. STD/STI testing hours Mon.-Thurs., 11am-5:30pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. By appointment only
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Testing open to the general public. HIV services for HIV+. Please call or check website for drive-through HIV and STD testing schedule
Description: Social Service Organization.
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: AIDS Service Organization.
Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Closed daily 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch
Description: Closed daily 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch
Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm. Every 3rd Saturday open from 9am-1pm
Description: Closed daily 12:30pm-1:30pm for lunch
Description: Please note: Closed daily for lunch at 12noon-1pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Top STD Testing Locations in Birmingham, AL
Primary Item (H2)HIV screenings are free. You can contact the clinic first or just go in during the week. All ages are welcome, over 14.
The HUB is a community resource center for African American men. They work within the neighborhood to provide the services necessary for men to live their best lives.
Located on 6th Ave, it is close to the Central Health Center. You can find parking nearby or take one of the buses that run down the avenue.
2217 6th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Walk in or call. It is your choice if you whether you want to wait when you get to the clinic. Testing is free for everyone. Some minors under 14 might need to bring a parent.
The 1917 Clinic not only screens for HIV, it is able to provide care and social services. All of this without a charge to patients or their families.
If you want to help out at the clinic, they are always accepting volunteers. You can also join them for one of their community events.
Community Care Bldg, 908 20th St S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
You'll want to call ahead or message the clinic via their website to let them know when you want to come in. The staff will work with you to find a time slot that works best for you and the clinic. Some fees can be waived, a counselor will explain what you need to bring to see if you qualify.
This is primarily a pregnancy center for women that are or want to become pregnant. They do have limited STD testing for a fee. You will need to bring insurance information or proof that you cannot afford their testing fees.
2120 7th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
Online or phone call. You can use either of these to schedule your visit. Pricing information is available at the clinic. You will be expected to pay at the time of service, unless you made previous arrangements.
Planned Parenthood knows that the first step towards being sexually healthy is knowing your status. They have screenings for STDs, throughout the week by a clinician. All you need to do is let the clinic know when you want to come in.
1211 27th Pl S, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
You do not need an appointment ever to come in. You can call to check on pricing or potential wait times. Weekends are often the busiest here, so you might want to plan your visit accordingly.
American Family Care is an urgent care health center that does have STD testing. They do charge for their services but if you do not have insurance you can pay over time.
You can come in anytime they are open, including weekends. If you can't find their location, there are directions online.
9232 Parkway E, Birmingham, AL 35206, USA
STD testing is done on a walk in basis. They are proud of their short wait times but this also limits how long you can speak to a doctor. Fees are affordable for most, but they are due before you leave the clinic.
Quick Care has been in the area since 2003. Their walk-in clinic does test for STDs, though there is a one time fee for the office visit. You might also have to pay a separate charge from their third party lab.
They are located outside of the metro city but this also cuts down on long wait times. They are actually only a few minute drive from the city hospital at UAB.
3205 Lorna Rd #103, Hoover, AL 35216, USA
Like many southern states Alabama and the city of Birmingham rely heavily on the federally supported abstinence only program in its public schools, though education officials are quick to point out that this does begin in the 5th grade.
While promoting abstinence only works well for middle school age children, teens are finding it harder to โjust say noโ with the amount of peer pressure they get regularly from friends and from simply watching social media sites. It getting more difficult for students to refrain from engaging in premarital sex, and abstinence only contracts are not the answer to preventing the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Birminghamโs public school officials insist that the stateโs guidelines concerning sexual education are being strictly followed, but this unfortunately does not include discussing the importance of using protection during sexual activity. Not only is this not discussed during the sex education classes, most schools do not offer condoms to students who admit that they are sexually active.
The lack of information is also increasing students and residents chances of contracting a STD. Not all STDs are transmitted only through sexual contact, and without proper education many people do not know that they are already at risk.
Regular Herpes testing in Birmingham can prevent the spread of this common STD, and even stop embarrassing flare ups before they appear. HIV testing in Birmingham is also important, especially since it is not uncommon for someone infected to not display any signs or symptoms. Regular health screenings can not only save your life, but it can also help protect someone you love.
http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2014/07/find_out_how_local_schools_tea.html
Demographics plays an important role in the STD rate for a particular area, and this is true in Birmingham. The cityโs diverse population is contributing to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, along with disparities in income, education and even religious and cultural beliefs can cause a rise in STD rates.
Birmingham does have a large African American population which helps to explain the high percentage of men and women affected with STDs in this ethnic group, but this can be changed with adequate education and regular testing.
Lower income families often do not have access to affordable health care, and the shortage of clinics in these neighborhoods can make it difficult to get tested regularly. Many of these families also canโt afford to pay for regular screenings, and some of these residents have simply reached a point where they do not care.
Before visiting the Civil Rights Museum it is important for Birmingham residents to get tested regular for STDs. There are HIV clinics in the city for residents, but this isn’t the best choice for everyone. If privacy is important, an affordable STI clinic might be the right option for you. Nobody needs to know why your there, and you can get your test results often on the same day.ย
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.