Preferred Location: 8 Farmfield Ave Charleston,SC 29407 West Ashley Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 8 Farmfield Ave Charleston,SC 29407 West Ashley Change Location
Charleston ranks among the top cities for STD rates โ and the numbers keep growing. Over two million cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis alone were reported in 2016 in the city and state.
Gonorrhea and chlamydia rank as the two most common STD diseases seen among reported cases. Witnessing a rise in these cases often occurs alongside rising numbers of other STDs, as well.
Between 2015 and 2016 the total number of cases reported for gonorrhea rose from 8,285 in 2015 to 9,301 in 2016. Thatโs almost 1,000 more people infected with gonorrhea alone.ย Syphilis cases reported across the state rose from 977 in 2015 to 994 in 2016.
As an attempt to combat the issue, the Charleston area now has many public and private STD testing locations offering low cost or sliding scale fee services because normal fees can run quite high and health insurance coverage can often be lacking.
These locations include the Lowcountry AIDS Services located on Meeting Street Road and Fetter Health Care Network situated on Nassau Street. Some locations, like the Planned Parenthood sites โ including one located on Rutledge Avenue โ provide testing along with other services.
The city also has free STD testing dates with varying times. Due to this inconsistency it may not be available when you need an appointment.
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 1991, HopeHealth in Orangeburg is a health facility that aims at availing access to basic health-care services. The medical team offers a broad range of services and customized personal plans to ensure that each HIV positive patient attains wellness goals. Moreover, physicians provide patient-centered HIV services to promote healthy living.
Fetter Health Care Network - Charleston Health Center & Corporate Office is a federally qualified non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a wide range of quality health-care services. The facilityโs medical team aims at providing timely and affordable services with respect and dignity, regardless of an individualโs ability to pay. Physicians provide STD services and aim to promote patientsโ well-being.
Planned Parenthood - Charleston Health Center of Charleston, SC, is a medical center that strives to provide a wide range of extensive sexual and reproductive health services. Its medical team aims at availing quality education that reflects the needs of all community members. The facility is staffed with trained medical practitioners who provide STD services in a safe environment.
Northwoods Public Health Clinic is a medical facility that has physicians who aim at protecting and promoting the health of all county residents. Its medical staff focuses on improving the health and well-being of minorities through empowerment and education. Physicians provide STD screening services in a friendly environment and promote healthy living through nutrition education programs.
Founded in 2007, MEDcare Urgent Care -West Ashley is a health facility that provides quality and affordable health-care services. The medical team on staff treats patients with non-life threatening conditions and has the resources and capabilities to handle your medical needs. Moreover, STD services are available, and you may receive affordable treatment.
Founded in 2004, Health First Urgent Care is a health facility that has doctors who aim at providing affordable and convenient health-care services. The medical staff provides patient-centered services to meet all your medical needs on time. Physicians may treat patients with non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including allergies, pneumonia, STDs, and lacerations as well as fractures and animal bites.
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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: Need to enroll as a patient.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Hospital.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Closed for lunch 12noon To 1pm daily
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.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Top STD Testing Locations in Charleston, SC
Primary Item (H2)All patients may be eligible to access rapid HIV tests, and self-pay clients may use their debit cards and qualify to pay for services on a sliding fee scale when making payments. Additionally, insurance plan billing is an available option.
HopeHealth in Orangeburgโs medical team offers prevention, outreach, and case management services to patients affected by, at risk, or infected with HIV. Moreover, the facility partners with local community agencies and organizations to provide HIV screening services and evidence-based interventions. Additionally, clients at high risk of contracting HIV may access PrEP medication and free condoms for prevention.
1857 Joe S Jeffords Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115, USA
The staff allows all patients to access affordable STD services, and clients may clear medical bills using cash, checks, debit cards, or insurance coverage.
The medical staff provides case management services to clients whoโre STD positive and strives to remove economic barriers that may limit you from accessing comprehensive and affordable health care. Also, physicians offer school-based services that may involve STD screening, basic primary care, and immunizations.
51 Nassau St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Medical practitioners welcome all clients in need of STD testing, and credit cards and cash are some acceptable self-payment options. Moreover, Medicaid, among other insurance plan billing, is also acceptable.
Planned Parenthood - Charleston Health Center of Charleston, SC, may provide linkage to institutions that offer safe and legal abortions. Also, gender-affirming hormone therapy services are available to patients who identify as LGBTQ, and the personnel guarantees confidentiality. Additionally, PrEP and PEP medication are accessible to clients at risk of contracting STDs.
1312 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA
Everyone may access STD services, and new patients may have to fill out a patient's form. Otherwise, you may confirm whether physicians may bill your insurance plans, and cash payments are also an option.
Northwoods Public Health Clinicโs medical staff provides teen services to teenagers in need of birth control, STD screening, and pregnancy testing. Also, physicians provide medically accurate education to ensure that patients make good reproductive health decisions. Additionally, the Ryan White Program is available, and it provides financial assistance to low-income HIV positive patients.
2070 Northbrook Blvd A-20, North Charleston, SC 29406, USA
New clients may have to show proof of identification by providing a driverโs license or photo ID, and low-priced STD services are accessible to everyone. Additionally, uninsured patients may make cash payments, and the medical team may offer discounted payment rates if you meet the specifications. Also, the personnel may accept your insurance plan.
MEDcare Urgent Care - West Ashley is conveniently located to ensure that patients can easily access STD services. Additionally, comprehensive STD services are available for extended hours and during weekends, and the facility has a comfortable waiting lounge with free Wi-Fi. Additionally, the medical team is well-trained and experienced to offer urgent care services.
1850 Sam Rittenberg Blvd, Charleston, SC 29407, USA
The clinical team offers STD testing to all clients who require the services, and uninsured clients may pay for STD services using cash at a discounted rate. Additionally, most insurance health plan holders may utilize their insurance policies.
Health First Urgent Care -West Ashley has an on-site laboratory where physicians may carry out prompt STD tests. Also, digital x-ray imaging services are available to patients who sustain internal injuries or illnesses. Additionally, the medical team offers a wide range of customized occupational health services to employees to maintain a safe and healthy workforce.
1115 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407, USA
With statistics showing that the use of condoms has declined almost ten percent in teens from 2005 to 2011 and an estimated half of all high school students in the city admitting that they were sexually active, it is vital for their health and safety that they have the necessary information.
While more teens and even middle school students are becoming sexually active at a younger age city leaders are still reluctant to admit that there is a problem, and are relying on the outdated abstinence only program to keep area youth safe. Even though abstaining from sex is the best way to prevent unplanned pregnancies, it has very little effect on the STD rates in the city.
Most students do not even realize that they are at risk, and the dwindling number of teens who use protection is a good indicator that there is not enough information easily available for them to take advantage of. This, combined with a general reluctance on the part of teachers and parents to even discuss STDs is making it extremely difficult for teens to learn how to protect themselves.
Regular Herpes testing in Charleston is the only way to prevent the spread of this virus that is common in area schools. Regular HIV testing in Charleston is also critical to stop this potentially deadly disease. As school and city officials try to come up with a comprehensive sexual education plan, students and their parents can protect themselves simply by getting tested.
There are many factors making it difficult to stress the importance of education and regular testing as the best ways to prevent the spread of STDs, but the main hurdle they face is the strong reluctance many residents have to even discuss the problem.
The conservative beliefs make it difficult for many of the cityโs residents to admit that there is a problem, and most parents still do not believe that there is any need to educate their children on the dangers of having unprotected sex.
Adding to the cityโs health problem is the lack of comprehensive sexual education programs, along with a limited number of clinics in lower income neighborhoods. When this is combined it often results in the high STD rates as evident by the recently released statistics.
While budget cuts to health care programs has made it more difficult for residents to get tested, the main contributing factor to the high STD rate continues to be the lack of information. When residents do not even realize that they are at risk it is impossible for them to adequately protect themselves.
Known for its tree lined cobble streets and horse drawn carriage rides, Charleston is also becoming famous for its high rate of STDs, which makes it vital for your continued good health to get tested. There are community health centers that residents can take advantage of, but many do not want to stand in long lines. You can easily avoid the long wait and still get tested with one simple phone call. Instead of spending all day in a crowded clinic you can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at a local lab, which still gives you plenty of time to explore this fascinating southern city.
https://www.scdhec.gov/Health/docs/stdhiv/data/sr2014.pdf
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.