Preferred Location: 5505 S Expressway 77 Ste 103 Harlingen,TX 78550 Harlingen Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 5505 S Expressway 77 Ste 103 Harlingen,TX 78550 Harlingen Change Location
Harlingen lies in the Rio Grande Valleyโas its 4th largest city, in fact. Harlingen is also the 2nd largest city in Cameron County. They do say everything is bigger in Texas, but health officials for Cameron County would prefer to keep rates of sexually transmitted diseases on the smaller side. There were 795 new HIV cases in 2015 in the Harlingen area. Thatโs a prevalence rate of 244 per 100,000 people. If youโre at risk for contracting HIV, talk to your doctor about PrEP.
Being a larger city, it makes sense that Cameron County reported more chlamydia cases than surrounding counties. With 1,782 new diagnoses of the most common bacterial infection in the United States, putting their rate at 423.9 per 100K.
The rate of gonorrhea in Cameron for 2017 was 66.6 per 100,000, the highest rate the area has seen since 2013. For primary and secondary syphilis, the rate matched those from 2012 and 2013 at 0.5 per 100K.ย
If you are in Harlingen and looking to get tested, you have affordable options near you. Walk-ins are welcome at Westbrook Clinic on Camelot Plaza, but appointments are recommended to avoid long wait times. They offer STD/HIV testing, but you may need to sign up as a new patient first. They also provide free condoms and safer sex kits. Another option is the Planned Parenthood on Sunshine Strip. They test for the following STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital warts, herpes, trichomoniasis, HIV (testing only), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and syphilis. To see if youโre eligible for free STD testing contact the Harlingen Public Health Center.ย
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare locationย features across Harlingen clinics with our easy-to-read chart.ย
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.
Founded in 1987, Valley AIDS Council is a non-profit HIV organization that provides its sexual health and wellness services to the people residing in Southern Texas and the Latinx community in the US. In conjunction with Westbrook Clinic, the organization has competent medical practitioners who conduct confidential STD tests and provide treatment services. They perform HIV tests using finger pricks and results may be available in one minute, while those of other STDs may be released within 2 weeks.
Valley Baptist - RGV Women's Health Center is a health clinic that provides advanced medical care through innovative treatment options to clients in Rio Grande Valley and Southern Texas. It provides services in obstetrics and gynecology medical fields. Additionally, it has competent physicians that provide STD testing services.
Valley Womenโs Clinic is a health facility that focuses on providing quality health-care services to comprehensively satisfy its clientsโ health needs. The doctors are proficient in providing solutions to womenโs health problems involving gynecology, infertility, and obstetrics. They also offer STD testing and treatment services.
Harlingen Health Center is one of the Planned Parenthoods clinics that were established to provide quality and affordable health care to people living in the US. The health center has competent medical practitioners that offer a variety of services, including diabetes and cancer screenings, pregnancy services, and STD services. The staff conducts HIV tests by a blood sample drawn from a finger stick and provides results in about 10 to 40 minutes.
Cameron County Health Department provides accessible and affordable quality health care to residents of Cameron County. It provides a broad spectrum of health care services, including immunization, family planning, maternal and child health services as well as tuberculosis treatment. It has an STD program that ensures its clients receive STD testing and treatment services conducted by experienced staff.
Valley Med Urgent Care is a health-care provider that focuses on providing quality health care services to US citizens living in McAllen, TX, and the surrounding regions. Some of the conditions its physicians treat include diabetes, hypertension, fungal infections, and UTIs. The medical team is also well-trained in providing precise STD testing services.
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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. Mpox vaccine available Mon.-Fri., 8am-1pm
Description: Social Service Organization. 1st Monday of the month 9am-7pm
Description: AIDS Service Organization. If you have medical insurance, plan to bring a picture ID and your proof of insurance. If you do not have insurance, plan to bring a picture ID for proof of residence and a month's worth of check stubs for proof of income. HIV/STI testing by appointment Mon.-Thurs., 9am-12noon and 1pm-4pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Closed from 12:00pm โ 1:00pm
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: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Social Service Organization. 1st Tuesday of each month hours are 9am - 7pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Services provided will vary according to available staff. Therefore, it is recommended that all walk-ins should call & verify times of services
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: AIDS Service Organization, Community Based Organization.
The small city of Harlingen is an outdoor loverโs paradise, but it is also facing the same health crisis that is affecting the rest of the state. Statistics covering the last twenty years show that the number of newly reported STD cases is still increasing, and in 2001 there were over 1,000 new cases of Chlamydia. This is a dramatic increase since 1998 when there less than 800 new cases reported in the area, and data released by county health officials show that it has continued to rise over the last 15 years.
Top STD Testing Locations in Harlingen, TX
Primary Item (H2)The agency has outlets that provide free STD testing services at specified times. Additionally, some insurances are accepted, and self-pay options are available for uninsured individuals to utilize when seeking the facilityโs charged services.
The facility has the TACKLE HIV/HCV Program that provides treatment services for Hepatitis C. Additionally, clinicians provide free and confidential STD testing and treatment services. Moreover, clients may receive STD services at Valley Aids Council through appointment booking, and testing sessions may take 20 to 45 minutes.
300 S 2nd St #101, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
STD testing services are availed to women only. The facility expects clients to provide a photo ID during their visits. Additionally, it allows payment from some insurances, and uninsured clients may pay using checks, cash, debit cards or credit cards.
The facility provides free language assistance services to clients whose primary language isnโt English. Additionally, doctors don't discriminate against clients while providing STD services. Also, clients receive discreet STD services through scheduling appointments.
2230 Haine Dr, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
All women, despite their pregnancy status, age, or color, receive STD testing services provided at the clinic. The facility accepts some insurances and may also accept self-pay options for uninsured clients to settle their medical bills.
The facility offers women a haven for all their sexual health needs, and the health-care providers work confidentially and without discrimination. Moreover, for clients to receive services offered at Valley Womenโs Clinic, booking an appointment is necessary.
1717 N Ed Carey Dr, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
If youโre uninsured, you may benefit from a sliding scale fee or qualify for a state-funded program at the health facility. STD testing is provided with no age, gender, or sexual orientation restrictions.
STD services are available at the facility if you book appointments, but you may also walk-in if itโs your preferred choice. The staff provides confidential services and puts into consideration clientsโ needs. Additionally, clients may receive language translation services if they call ahead and request the service.
712 N 77 Sunshine Strip #18, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
The facility attends to all its clients regardless of their income, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.
The health department, through its Sexually Transmitted Diseases Program, provides testing and treatment services to all its clients. Additionally, clinicians provide confidential STD services. Also, clients may reserve their STD appointment slots by making calls.
1390 W Expy 83, Harlingen, TX 78550, USA
The health center provides STD testing services to clients of all ages and from all walks of life, including low-income earners. It may also offer its services at a reduced cost.
Valley Med Urgent Care staff commits to offering quality STD services to all clients in a kind and compassionate manner. For clients to receive services, they need to reserve appointments. Additionally, the facility is open daily to serve all its clients' health care necessities.
101 E Expressway 83 #170, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
The small city of Harlingen is facing the same problem as the rest of the state, with an alarming number of new STD cases reported every year. The cityโs independent school district does have a sex education program that is aimed at teaching students the benefits of abstinence, but it does not handle the more pressing issues that deal with safe sexual practices and regular testing. Without this information being made available for teenager and young adults, the city will continue to face this mounting health crisis.
What the education programs in the school system are not teaching students is that sexually transmitted diseases can be contracted through other means, and not all display easily recognizable symptoms immediately. Herpes testing in Harlingen can help detect this viral infection which can be easily spread without sexual contact. HIV tests in Harlingen are also important for residents of any age, and this simple and easy procedure can help save your life and protect the health of everyone around you.
With its close proximity to Mexico the city of Harlingen has a strong Hispanic influence that is also reflected in its demographical makeup, and is affecting the STD rate. Language barriers between health care workers and the cityโs many Spanish speaking residents can make it difficult to communicate the importance of regular testing. Poor economics and lower than average health care are also causing STD rates to rise, especially among Hispanic teens.
While these factors are contributing to the high STD rates in the region, the main problem remains the cityโs lack of sexual education. Until residents learn how to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases, and understand the importance of regular checkups these STDs will continue to spread and affect the entire community.
The importance of regular testing cannot be emphasized enough, especially for residents of this picturesque community. Located in the Rio Grande Valley, this small city has plenty to offer residents and visitors which should not include a high rate of sexually transmitted diseases. While the school system continues to follow the stateโs example and teach abstinence based curriculum, there are ways that residents can protect their sexual health.
Regular tests and wellness checkups can prevent the spread of these diseases, along with protecting your sexual health. While some residents might put off testing out of fear of embarrassment or simply to avoid the long lines, it is now possible to schedule a private ย STD testing in Harlingen. With one simple phone call residents of the Rio Grande Valley can spend a few minutes in the local lab without fear of running into any friends or neighbors, and still have plenty of time to enjoy all of the unique things to do in this historic southwestern city.
Reference:
http://www.valleymorningstar.com/news/local_news/article_def744f3-592b-52a3-8cc5-9d4824ca8423.html
http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/article_f625019f-9f60-5d8b-b852-ba259d932aa7.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.