Preferred Location: 2240 Schoenersville Rd Bethlehem,PA 18017 Bethlehem Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 2240 Schoenersville Rd Bethlehem,PA 18017 Bethlehem Change Location
Bethlehem straddles two counties: Lehigh, which it shares with its larger cousin Allentown, and Northampton, whose county seat is Easton. The countiesโ STD rates differ by a lot. The 2017 HIV rate per 100K people was 319 in Lehigh, but only 106 in Northampton (the Pennsylvania rate was 314).
Health officials are most worried about chlamydia, especially among young people.
The 2017 rate in Lehigh was 461.4, and in Northampton, 388.9. Both counties had experienced a significant rise in chlamydia cases since 2007.
Medical professionals disagree on whether the number of affected individuals actually increased significantly or better testing methods just caught more of the cases. But both camps are concerned about the lack of sexual knowledge among young people, who become infected because they are shy about buying condoms or do not know they can catch STIs from oral sex.
There are some STD-testing clinics in Bethlehem, and even more options if you can get to Allentown. At least one organization offers free STD testing, but there may be a long wait for the walk-in services. The Bethlehem Health Bureau, on East Church St, tests for most STIs and provides treatment as well as partner counseling. And Planned Parenthood on North Ninth St in Allentown tests for all STIs and treat all except HIV.
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 Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center offers members of this community exciting LGBT arts and culture programs, health programs, youth programs, supportive services, festivals, and a training institute. This facility has 13 on-site employees and two interns that can assist you in attaining your goals. This community center has been awarded many awards. Most recently, they were the winner of the 2019 Bridgebuilder Award by the Lehigh University Community Service Office.
The Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospitals in addition to several other health centers, physician practices, rehabilitation facilities, and many more outpatient care centers. LVHN started in 1899 when 13 women came together to better help their community get to better health. They raised a little more than $5,000, bought a piece of land and then opened the Allentown Hospital. The Lehigh Valley Hospital at 17th Street offers HIV services, a surgery center, and orthopedic medicine.
NovusACS is a medical clinic that has locations in Bethlehem, Stroudsburg, and Doyletown. Their facility is operated and owned by members of the LGBT community, but everyone is welcome at this facility. This clinic specializes in HIV and Hepatitis C treatment and care. The services at NovusACS tries to ensure youth and adults that are sexually active a place to go to get affordable and high-quality care by medical professionals.
The Allentown Medical Center is operated by Planned Parenthood Keystone. Since 1926, Planned Parenthood Keystone has been serving central and eastern residents. Each year, their nine health center sees more than 22,000 patients. Their goal is to provide equal and easy access to reproductive care services and education so people can make decisions that are more responsible when it comes to their sexual health.
The Washington Health Center is operated by the Planned Parenthood Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey. This state-wide Planned Parenthood helps provide reproductive health care services, education, and advocacy efforts in counties across the state like Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Hunderdon, Ocean, Morris, Salem, and many more. This Planned Parenthood was created on October 1, 2016, because the Planned Parenthood of Central and Greater Northern New Jersey and Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey came together.
The Allentown Health Bureauโs mission is to support the mission in creating healthier lives within the city of Allentown. This means to work together to maintain a system of services and programs that helps prevent disease and injury. The three core functions to do assessments about the public health status, develop public policiesโ to maintain and/or improve the status, and assure that the residents of Pennsylvania have access to public health 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: Community Based Organization. By appointment only
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. TB clinic services by referral only. TB testing is based on CDC guidelines for high-risk individuals.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. TB services for city residents only. STD Clinic: Tues., Thurs., 1pm-4pm
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: Social Service Organization. No walk-ins Mon., Thurs., and Fridays
Description: Hospital. Comprehensive HIV Medical Care (Ryan White Care Act-funded program) PrEP for all patients regardless of ability to pay Viral Hepatitis (HBV/HCV) Treatment Financial Assistance Program for Uninsured. Walk-in HIV testing Mon., Tues., Thurs., 9am-3pm. Friday by appointment
Description: Health Outreach, Prevention, and Education for persons living with HIV / those at risk for HIV, with a focus on the uninsured and underinsured.
Description: Hospital. Take most insurances, but not all.
Description: Social Service Organization. PPNCSNJ is offering free testing for gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV
Top STD Testing Locations in Bethlehem, PA
Primary Item (H2)The Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center only offers HIV and STI testing services to those that are within the LGBT community. Their testing services are available every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 4:00 pm โ 6:00 pm. People must be at least 14 years old.
Located in Lehigh Valley the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center creates a fun, non-judgmental, and enriching atmosphere for community members. This center is located in downtown Allentown and is next to the community parking deck at sixth and walnuts streets. This center has beautiful art exhibits, a library, and a lot of programs to keep people busy throughout the month.
522 W Maple St, Allentown, PA 18101, USA
The HIV testing services at this hospital are provided by a team of specialists. HIV testing is open to the public with no qualifications. Their tests are free, confidential, and anonymous. Results can be ready in little as 20 minutes.
At the Lehigh Valley Hospital โ 17th Street location, physicians and nurses offer personalized care for HIV+ patients. In addition, their team can provide education about HIV including HIV 101, risk assessment and risk reduction counseling, and community outreach. This facility is located in the heart of Allentown, PA. This hospital is a brown building that has seven health care providers in addition to many health care professionals to help those living with or affected by someone with AIDS.
1627 W Chew St, Allentown, PA 18102, USA
NovusACS doesnโt have any qualifications in place for their STD, HIV, and Hepatitis C screenings. No appointment is necessary. Their test results are confidential and can be anonymous. Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing are available too. Results can either be ready the same day or within 2-3 days depending on the test provided.
The passionate staff at NovusACS provides healthcare services within a comfortable and clean environment. NovusACS specializes in providing care and treatment to patients who are diagnosed with more complex diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. Not only that, but their clinic prides themselves on offering PrEP which is an HIV prevention pill. Actually, NovusACS is the largest provider of PrEP in Lehigh Valley. Patients at this facility will notice their team is supportive and goes over and beyond when it comes to customer service.
1565 Linden St, Bethlehem, PA 18017, USA
The Allentown Medical Center does not have any qualifications in place for people wanting to be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Please bring proof of your income to your first visit. This is because their service fees are based on your household income. You may qualify for a sliding fee scale. You may also qualify for a state-funded program. If you want to see if youโre eligible for this program please bring your birth certificate, pay stub, photo ID, and proof of residence.
At the Allentown Medical Center, patients will need to make an appointment in order to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. The only walk-in service provided at this clinic is emergency contraception. The Allentown Medical Center is located within a green building with a blue Planned Parenthood sign in front. Based on the location, parking may be limited so please be aware that visitors may need to walk a bit.
29 N Ninth St, Allentown, PA 18101, USA
The Washington Health Center does not have any qualifications for visitors to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
Visitors of the Washington Health Center will be given a wide variety of health services and educational materials. Besides HIV and STD testing, visitors have access to the HPV vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine, and PreP. First-time visitors will notice their blue Planned Parenthood sign upon arrival. This center is located across the street from the Gibsonโs Fitness Center and restaurants like Empanada Mamasita.
66 E Washington Ave, Washington, NJ 07882, USA
The Allentown Health Bureauโs HIV and STD testing services are available to Allentown residents and non-city residents. Both testing services are on a walk-in basis. There are no other qualifications besides just to be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania and at least 13 years old.
The Allentown Health Bureau provides numerous health services to help residents of the state of Pennsylvania live healthier and safer lifestyles. Besides offering STD testing and prevention services, this bureau offers adult immunizations, childhood immunizations, communicable disease services, early pregnancy testing, and much more. Visitors can expect patient and understanding staff members at this clinic. Even though wait times may be longer, visitors will be given non-judgmental services.
245 N 6th St, Allentown, PA 18102, USA
When it comes to STD prevention, sexual health education is one of the key factors that can make a major difference in the lives of young people and older adults alike. Pennsylvania state law does not stipulate that public schools must provide students with basic sexual education. In 2016, legislation was brought forth to make sexual health education mandatory in schools, but the law failed to pass and the session was adjourned before it could be pushed forward.
The only exception to this lack of rules and regulations is the fact that STD and HIV education is mandatory to teach in school using age appropriate lessons and information. Every local school district is free to determine what materials should be used and what is appropriate at elementary, middle, and high school age ranges.
The information must be medically accurate and have an abstinence focus when it comes to HIV prevention techniques. It is also required that school district allow parents access to the materials and curriculum used in STD and HIV programs so that they can review them and determine whether or not they would like their child to participate in the sexual education.
Of course, the classroom is not the only resource for sexual health education. The school counseling centers in most middle and high schools as well as school nurseโs offices are excellent resources for information. STD clinics and other medical offices can also provide young people as well as adults with the proper information so that citizens learn to take proper care of their reproductive and sexual health.
The relatively low rates of STDs in the area may have a great deal to do with the demographics of the area. The population is at about 74,892 as of mid-year 2015, making it a relatively small city. Of those 74,892 people, around 76.4 percent are of Caucasian descent and about 58.3 are between the ages of 19 and 64, making it a large population of adults rather than young people.
The relatively homogeneous nature of the total demographic population in the city and county may contribute to the lower numbers and rates in the area. The median income in the area is also relatively high at over $47,000, meaning that the majority of residents in the area have access to medical care when it is needed.
Around 38 percent of the households were married households in 2010 which was on the increase at the time, meaning the numbers are likely higher today than they were. This too may be a factor in the STD rates being lower in the area than state and national averages.
Even though the area has lower than average STD rates, it is still very important that you take care of yourself and your sexual health. Be sure that you get yourself tested for STDs soon and that you continue to do so on a regular basis from there on out. While you may want to just put it off to another day, procrastination will not get you the answers that you need for your peace of mind.
Remember that you can call ahead and schedule a quick and easy appointment for a HIV test and STD screening that will take less than an hour out of your day. Once you have your results, you can get the treatments that you need if you have a positive test result and you will be able to breathe easy either way just because you have the answer.
http://www.bethlehem-pa.gov/health/healthdata.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.