Preferred Location: 1200 E. Ridge Road, Suite 10 McAllen,TX 78503 McAllen Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1200 E. Ridge Road, Suite 10 McAllen,TX 78503 McAllen Change Location
Texas is facing rising STD rates throughout the state, and residents of Mission are at particularly high risk. Hidalgo County reported 3,600 cases of chlamydia alone in 2016.
This region ranks 228 out of 232 Texas counties for general factors that affect health, and STDs are a major factor in determining rankings. Hidalgo County also has the most number of diagnosed cases of HIV in the region, at 880. While this is only 0.15% of the population, it is still high compared to other local areas like Zapata or Jim Wells Counties.
The Texas Health and Human Services Department treats all cases of HIV seriously and requires medical professionals to submit confidential reports on all cases. Acute infections must be reported within one day. Early STD testing is a critical component in long-term treatment.
Mission residents have access to rapid STD testing at both public and private labs. Public government offices like the local Health and Human Services department may offer free STD testing for chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, herpes, and syphilis.
Public testing sites are available on Schuerbach Road, East Hackberry, or Texano Street. Many of these sites may offer sliding scale fees that adjust based on your income.
Public labs may even offer free STD testing for some illnesses, provided you meet income eligibility requirements. However, long wait times and limited hours may apply.
Bryan Road and the neighboring area of McAllen offer several options for rapid and comprehensive STD testing. Some of these locations offer results within two or three days, and on-call doctors are available to discuss results and treatments.
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.
Valley AIDS Council is a non-profit organization that serves PLWH in an extensive area from the lower Rio Grande Valley to the Mexico/US border. It was founded in 1987 from the joint efforts of Cameron, Texas, and Hidalgo County Health Department as well as Planned Parenthood in response to the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic. It provides HIV services that include testing, prevention, medication, and education.
Access Esperanza Clinics is a health-care facility that was founded in 1964 and serves the residents in Southern Texas by providing quality medical services. The center is primarily a family planning agency, but it also offers STD testing and treatment services. Most of the STD results may be available in five days.
Only for Men medical clinic offers healthcare that targets men living in the Rio Grande Valley. It specializes in menโs sexual health, including testing and treating STDs conducted by experienced and well-trained staff. All the staff members are male, and they are also capable of handling other menโs health issues such as erectile dysfunction, platelet-rich plasma therapy, and weight management.
Brownsville Health Center of Brownsville, TX, is among the Planned Parenthood clinics that primarily offer sexual health-care services. The medical team is proficient in handling multiple diseases, including testing and treating STDs. The clinicians may offer rapid HIV tests and release the results in approximately 10 to 40 minutes.
The Hidalgo County Health Department was founded in 1933, and it serves residents living in the county and its neighborhood by providing vital health-care services to promote optimal health. The health center has eight clinics spread throughout the county that provide various services including family planning, prenatal care, immunization, and pregnancy testing. It also has STD clinics that have physicians skilled in combating infectious diseases such as STDs.
Valley Med Urgent Care serves US citizens living in southern Texas by providing them with quick access to non-emergency medical care. The services may include family planning, pediatric care, pap smears, drug testing, and UTI treatment. The physicians are also competent in testing STDs in the on-site laboratory.
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: Social Service Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Must be 13 years of age and older. 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: Social Service Organization. *Saturdays for supplies only. Active patients may request STI testing & treatment
Description: Community Based Organization. Must become a patient of the clinic to receive services.
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV-antibody testing available through family planning clinics. Referrals given for others. Free condoms available. Services provided will vary according to available staff. Therefore, all walk-ins are recommended to call & verify times of services. Clinics are closed for services on holidays approved by the Court
Description: Services for women only. Need to register as a patient.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Social Service Organization. *Saturdays for supplies only. Active patients may request STI testing & treatment
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
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: Social Service Organization.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Recent statistics are showing that the city of Mission has been experiencing a higher than average rate of STDs for the last twenty years, and state officials do not expect these numbers to improve without adequate education and testing. The area saw a marked increase in the number of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea cases in young Hispanic and African American women, and recent statistics are also showing that many of those infected do not display any noticeable symptoms. The number of HIV cases in men also increased between 2006 and 2010, which has prompted some health officials to consider new alternatives to the current educational programs.
Top STD Testing Locations in Mission, TX
Primary Item (H2)The health center serves everyone in spite of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race. Moreover, the staff advocates for the Latinx population and provides them with comprehensive care. Everyone who visits this clinic is eligible for free STD tests.
The clinic is a beneficiary of the Ryan White funds, so itโs able to provide comprehensive care and support to PLWHA at low costs. Clients may walk-in for STD testing and treatment services whenever the clinic is open. Testing appointments may range from 20 to 45 minutes, therefore you may be in and out of the clinic within an hour.
300 S 2nd St #101, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
Anyone who visits the clinic may receive STD testing for free or at a low-cost depending on the clinicโs income guidelines for service provision. Also, no age or gender restrictions limit anyone from visiting the facility.
The health centerโs medical team offers all its services in the English and Spanish languages. They work with confidentiality and compassion. Moreover, you may qualify to receive free STD testing services at the clinic.
916 E Hackberry Ave B, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
STD testing services are available to all men regardless of age. The physicians only attend to clients who bring a valid state ID or driverโs license. The medical practitioners donโt bill insurances but offer self-pay payment methods such as cash, checks, Visa, American Express, and MasterCard.
The clinic is strict on confidentiality, so it requires its staff to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Men may schedule online appointments to receive STD services. The clinic also offers some specialized services to women, for instance, vampire facelift and hair loss management.
110 E Savannah Ave Bldg. B, Ste 203, McAllen, TX 78503, USA
The clinicโs fees are based on clientsโ household incomes, so you may receive health care regardless of your financial situation. Additionally, uninsured clients may be eligible for a state-funded program. The clinic also accepts multiple insurance plans such as Cigna, Community First, Driscoll, and Texas Medicaid.
English and Spanish language interpreters are available at the clinic for translation services. The clinicians on staff offer STD testing and treatment services on a walk-in basis. Moreover, you may use your insurance to cater for some services, and all services are confidential.
870 E Alton Gloor Blvd Suite B, Brownsville, TX 78526, USA
You may qualify for free or low-cost services according to program requirements. For charged services, the STD clinic accepts various insurance health plans, including Blue, United Health, Driscoll, Molina, and Medicaid.
Residents may choose to receive STD services in either English or Spanish. Some of the services are free of charge while the charged ones may be available at a low-cost hence save you some cash. Moreover, you may choose to use your insurance plan to cater to some charged services.
211 S Schuerbach Rd, Mission, TX 78572, USA
Insured and uninsured residents may seek medical services at the clinic since it accepts all self-pay options and most insurance covers, including Medicaid. Despite age, race, or religious background, you may still receive STD care at the health center.
The staff at Valley Med is not only friendly and caring but also works with confidentiality. The physicians may offer their services in Spanish to effectively serve those who speak the language. Additionally, anyone in need of STD care may walk into the clinic any day during working hours.
101 E Expressway 83 #170, McAllen, TX 78501, USA
The city of Mission is currently dealing with the same health epidemic that has been affecting the rest of the state, along with funding cuts to several of the area’s health care clinics. Not only is this making it more difficult for health care officials to reach all of the area’s residents and inform them of the importance of taking care of their sexual health, the independent school districts also refer to the state funded curriculum that promotes abstinence instead of testing and safe sex. Recently the city’s high schools have begun offering additional sex education classes that are designed to help deal with the rising rate of teen pregnancies, along with promoting the use of condoms some educators are also discussing the importance of regular testing with students and their parents.
While abstinence will prevent unplanned pregnancies and some STD infections, there are sexually transmitted diseases that can only be detected through testing. HIV tests in Mission are important for early detection, and are often the only way to treat and prevent the disease from spreading. Herpes testing in Mission is important for health and self esteem, treating the virus can also help prevent the embarrassing cold sores from appearing.
The city’s demographical makeup does play a role in the STD rate, but the main reason for the high number of infections is largely due to the lack of sexual education and resources in the area. Recent funding cuts have forced some health centers to close, which has also limited the number of health care officials who are trained to deal with this problem. The lack of sexual education in the city’s schools is not only adding to the number of teenage pregnancies, but also to the high rate of STDs among young adults and teens. Until residents in Mission understand how important it is to take care of their sexual health, the number of STDs will continue to rise.
The city of Mission has all of the advantages of the scenic Rio Grande Valley, along with the health problems affecting the rest of the state. The lack of sex education classes in the area schools has lead to an increase in the number of reported STDs and it has never been so important to get tested. While there are clinics in the city, the long lines have many residents scheduling a private STD test in Mission. You can spend just a few minutes at the local lab taking care of your sexual health, and still be able to spend the day exploring the local nature parks.
Reference:
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/info/chlamydia/default.shtm
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.