Preferred Location: 291 New Towne Rd Bowling Green,KY 42103 Bowling Green Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 291 New Towne Rd Bowling Green,KY 42103 Bowling Green Change Location
In 2016, Warren County had an HIV prevalence rate of 143.2 per 100K people, which was under Kentuckyโs average of 184.3. But local health officials are more worried about bacterial STDs. That same year, the county had a chlamydia rate of 429, above Kentuckyโs rate of 413.2.
Bacterial STDs tend to be prevalent among college students, and Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 114 and 1.6.
Health officials have noticed that young women treated for chlamydia are often reinfected quickly, prompting them to push for expedited partner therapyโgiving the woman a round of antibiotics for her partner. Also, many people donโt understand the risks of STDs; for example, they donโt realize they can get them through oral sex.
Because youth in Kentucky do not get comprehensive sex education in schools, health experts urge parents and family physicians to talk to kids about sex and how to prevent STIs, even though the conversation may be uncomfortable.
Bowling Green has a few STD-testing clinics. The Warren County Health Department on State St provides testing and treatment for STIs. The Graves Gilbert Clinic at WCU offers STI testing and treatment for students. If you keep checking the community calendar, you may be able to catch a free STD testing event, especially during STD Awareness Month.
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.
Graves Gilbert Clinic has been in existence for the past 80 years. The multi-specialty clinic offers extensive services that include health education and wellness, STD testing/treatment, immunization, women and menโs health.
The clinic is a leading provider in sex education as well as quality and affordable care. STD testing, treatment and vaccination are available during the working hours by appointment.
The Barren River District Health Department serves communities across a variety of towns including residents of Barren, Metcalfe, Hart, Logan, Edmonson amongst other counties. The aim of the department is to create a healthy community through prevention, surveillance, education and partnerships.
Since 1982, the department has expanded its services to include services such as planned parenthood and STD testing. The department has STD clinics across the county that prioritize STD testing, treatment and prevention.
The Warren County Health Department is a public health clinic established in 1982. The clinic is committed to providing essential health services in the community including planned parenthood and STD testing.
The clinic also offers STD prevention and education as well as HIV/AIDS prevention and education. There is a free walk-in STD testing every Tuesday night from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
ZipClinic Urgent Care provides fast, convenient, and affordable care for all its clients. You can walk-in and get STD testing without scheduling an appointment. The clinic prioritizes on urgent care medicine and treatment. For decades, they have demonstrated their care to members of the community by offering quality services at affordable costs.
ZipClinic works with many different healthcare insurance providers. They have a financial assistant on-site to help you if you have concerns on how to pay for their services. No one is turned away because they lack insurance.
The Graves Gilbert Walk-in care is an urgent care facility that has been serving the community for 15 years. The clinic offers comprehensive services that include but are not limited to physical therapy, audiometric testing, drug and alcohol testing, as well as STD testing. The walk-in convenience means that you can visit the facility at any day of the week for a test. The wait times depend on the number of patients on the line.
The Graves Gilbert at WKU was established as a branch of the main Graves Gilbert Clinic. The clinic was opened as a partnership between Graves Gilbert and the Western Kentucky University. The on-site campus clinic was opened in 2014. It caters to the students, faculty, staff, and the community.
At the Graves Gilbert Clinic at WKU free HIV testing is offered. However, you need to make an appointment.
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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. Free walk-in HIV testing every Monday, 8am-3pm
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing the 1st Monday of every month from 8am-11am
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing 1st Wednesday of every month, 12noon-3pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing 1st Monday of every month, 12noon-3pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HPV vaccines provided for those 18 and under through the VFC program. The Family Planning Clinic is scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing 1st Tuesday of every month, 9am-11am
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Need to register as a patient. Closed from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing every Thursday, 8am-3pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available. Closed from 12pm-12:30pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available. Teen clinic hours available
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department, Hepatitis A vaccine for adults requires a doctor's prescription.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free walk-in HIV testing every Tuesday, 8am-3pm
Top STD Testing Locations in Bowling Green, KY
Primary Item (H2)Graves Gilbert Clinic offers free to low-cost STD testing. However, the free option depends on your income. The clinic also offers educational resources that will help you maintain a healthy sexual lifestyle. You can catch a free STD testing offer during the STD awareness month. The clinic holds a free STD testing event on that month.
Graves Gilbert Clinic has a convenient payment mode. The wait time is also low and the staff are friendly. It is advisable to schedule an appointment to avoid any inconveniences.
1681 Normal St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
The clinic operates with a sliding fee scale. This means that payment is determined by the level of income of the insured or under-insured medicaid patient. The clinic also accepts other types of insurance, as well as some private insurance options. The patient must be at least 13 years or older.
Barren River District Health Department has been at the forefront in offering affordable STD treatment options. The clinic also offers education on preventive solutions. Check ins can be done via phone. The staff are also friendly and willing to guide you on how to get treatment.
1109 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
Appointments are needed for STD testing. The clinic offers low-cost to free STD testing depending on your income. Payment is expected at the time of service unless you have contacted the clinic and made other arrangements in terms of payment. You will have to contact the health center for payment information. However, you will not be turned away because of lack of funds.
The Warren County Clinic insists on booking an appointment before going for the STD test. Some tests and treatment services are covered by insurance. However, for others you will have to agree with the health care provider concerning payment. The staff are friendly and willing to share information on any matter concerning your health.
1109 State St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
For STD test, it is advisable to make an appointment rather than walking-in to the center. Although they accommodate walk-ins, you experience longer wait hours. Zipclinic offers low-cost to free STD testing. Free testing, on the other hand, depends on your income.
ZipClinic is a convenient center with friendly staff. If you contact the facility, the medical officer will explain the requirements well. They do not turn people away if they do not have insurance. The walk-in options are a plus too.
2508 Scottsville Rd #104, Bowling Green, KY 42104, USA
The clinic offers free to low cost STD testing. However, to qualify for free STD testing you must be categorized as a low income earner.
The Graves Gilbert Walk-in clinic is highly professional and their services are prompt. Appointments are not necessary and the payment is affordable. No one will be turned away for lack of money.
2724 Nashville Rd, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
The clinic offers free STD testing though have to meet a certain income criteria.
The STD testing services offered at the clinic are convenient and affordable. It is easy to reach them via phone and schedule an appointment. Also, the fact that they occasionally offer free testing makes it easy for anyone to get checked.
1698 Normal St #1664, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
As HIV is the most prevalent issue in the Barren River District, it is the most discussed topic of STD education. Western Kentucky University offers a full page on their website devoted to sexual education, including topics such as:
Local school disctricts within the city follow the basic statewide and national guidelines for STD education, offering middle school and high school students information on the basics of STDโs, and offering counseling to students who feel they might have an STD.
The Barren River District Health Department of Warren County offers information on testing facilities and general population education on all STDโs, including HIV, which is the areaโs biggest current health issue. The health department, mandated by the government, also offers free HIV and herpes testing, as well as free tests for all other STDโs. However, time slots are limited, and lines are often long.
If an STD is discovered, the facility that tested the patient will offer a counseling session. The points in the session are:
As of July 2015 the city ย was home to just over 63,000 people. Of those residents, 75% were white, with 28% of the total population living below the poverty level. 15% of these residents lived without health insurance, and only 27% possessed a Bachelorโs degree or higher, despite the fact that Western Kentucky University is within the city limits.
The poverty level, combined with the flux of college students at the university, push the STD rates higher. Those who are not educated, or do not know how to get educated, live with STDโs such as HIV or chlamydia, for a long period of time without getting tested. Poverty is associated with an inability or unwillingness toward education; many in poverty never finish high school.
Whatโs more, the college students who live in the city part-time are not counted in the census, but still interact with the community. These students are often too embarrassed to be seen getting regular STD tests, or are on their parentsโ health insurance, and do not want their parents getting a bill for STD treatments. Their silence, and interactions with the community, push the STD statistics higher.
The quality of health care in the city is superb, mainly due to the university. There are a number of options for the impoverished and students alike to get free, private care for STDโs, including tests and treatment. The Health Department offers these services, as well as the Health Services for Students on campus.
The city offers a number of options to get tested for STDโs on a regular basis. Whether testing is done through a primary care physician, a free clinic, or the Health Department, itโs important to get checked, especially as the top two STDโs in Bowling Green, HIV and chlamydia, are nearly undetectable in their early stages.
With testing facilities that make it easy to get in and out quickly, there seems to be no reason to skip a scheduled test. Whether youโre testing once a year as a regular routine, or are more sexually active and testing once every six months, youโll be able to keep going to class, keep exploring the serenity of the area, and keep enjoying downtownโs active pulse of life, knowing youโre covered, and youโre healthy.
http://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/2108902
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.