Preferred Location: 810 W 21st St Norfolk,VA 23517 Ghent Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 810 W 21st St Norfolk,VA 23517 Ghent Change Location
Eastern Virginia, and the Hampton Roads area in particular, has high STD rates and medical professionals are concerned itโs becoming an epidemic. They say that people donโt realize how risky it is to have unprotected sex.
Further, HIV still carries such a stigma that people, especially men who have sex with men, are ashamed to come in for testing. But clinics are discreet, treatment is available, and you should never be afraid to get help.
In 2015, there were 601 people living with HIV or AIDS in Portsmouth, with a prevalence rate of 758 per 100K people.
Portsmouth is home to the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and active military bases often contribute a lot to the STD rates in an area. Portsmouthโs chlamydia, gonorrhea, and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates in 2016 were 1,166.3, 517.7, and 8.3.
There are a few STD-testing clinics in Portsmouth, and even more options if you can get to Norfolk. Free STD testing is available in the city clinics. Keep in mind that these are public, and there may be a wait, making it more likely that someone will see you there.
The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth on Holcomb Rd provides STD testing. In Norfolk, the LGBT Life Center offers STI screenings. You can find them on 24th St.
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.
LGBT Life Center was founded in 1989 with an initial focus of serving women and children living with HIV/AIDS but later diversified to accommodate LGBTQ groups and all members of the community.
The facility provides comprehensive sexual healthcare services such as HIV/STD testing, mental health, counseling, and support groups for PLWHA. Its competent board-certified medical practitioners ensure that rapid HIV test results are available within twenty minutes.
Minority AIDS Support Services, Inc. is a nonprofit community-based service organization founded in 1998 to provide healthcare services to underserved populations and disadvantaged groups in the community. The clinic offers STI/HIV testing, counseling, and preventive care services. Rapid HIV test results are usually available in twenty minutes.
Planned Parenthood - Virginia Beach Health Center is a significant provider of sexual health education and reproductive care services in Portsmouth, VA, and surrounding regions. The facility is staffed by board-certified medical professionals who deliver abortion care, STD/HIV screening, menโs and womenโs health, and emergency contraception services.
Portsmouth Health Department strives to promote, protect, and offer a healthy environment for residents of Portsmouth, VA, and surrounding regions by providing low-cost medical services. The clinic has modern medical equipment and qualified clinicians who offer family planning, immunizations, TB screening, STD/HIV testing, pregnancy screening, and prenatal care services.
AFC Urgent Care Suffolk was founded in 1982 to provide cost-effective and non-emergency medical services to residents of Portsmouth, VA, and its environs. The clinic has qualified medical professionals licensed to offer STD/HIV screening, UTI treatment, workplace injuries, family care, drug testing, and immigration physicals services. Competent physicians at the clinic provide expedited care, and patientsโ wait time takes twenty minutes.
Velocity Urgent Care serves men, women, and children in Portsmouth City, VA, and its environs with quality medical care services for non-life-threatening illnesses. The center has adequate board-certified medical practitioners who deliver occupational medicine, travel immunizations, flu shots, digital X-rays, blood tests, and STD screening 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. The Regional Anonymous HIV testing program offers anonymous HIV testing at this location after hours. Please call 1-800-873-8378 for information. Fee for services beginning July 1, 2017.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV testing open to the public.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Must register as a patient. Testing for clients only.
Description: Community Based Organization. Accept most insurance plans, please verify upon making your appointment. Visit website for special extended hours
Description: Hospital.
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: Must register as a patient. Testing for clients only.
Description: AIDS Service Organization. Closed for lunch Mon.-Fri. from 1pm-2pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Chesapeake Wellness Program: Comprehensive health services are provided for uninsured people with HIV/AIDS. Clients must meet specific eligibility guidelines. Call (757) 382-8605 for information. Please bring an ID with you for the STD STI Clinic: Tues., Fri., 8:30am-10:30am; Mon., Wed., 12:30pm-3pm. This is a limited walk-in clinic. A set number of appointments are available and once those are gone, no additional patients can be seen that day
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. HIV testing open to general public. Clinics are open to all sexually active people 14 years old and older and are held on a walk-in basis. Space is limited and patients are seen on a first come first serve basis. Due to COVID-19 modified operations, please call for the clinic for hours of operation or to schedule an appointment at 757-518-2700 (press 1 for clinic, then 0 for operator)
Description: Community Based Organization. Saturday testing upon request
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Any person who suspects they may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease/infection (STD/STI - syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, etc.) may be seen in this clinic. Services are provided on a sliding scale according to ability to pay; some services will be free. The clinic operates on a walk-in basis with registration beginning at 8am and 1pm. Eligibility for services is required and must be determined annually. Clients need to bring their insurance information, photo ID and 3 most recent pay stubs to the health department Eligibility Office (727-727-1172, ext. 21722) . TB screening and testing provided through the Immunization Please call for information - 7577271172, ext. 21717. The above are clinic hours. Closed 11am-1pm
Description: In order to establish your sliding fee discount, you should provide proof of household income upon your first visit. This income verification must be done annually, thereafter.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Top STD Testing Locations in Portsmouth, VA
Primary Item (H2)There are no eligibility requirements, and no individual is denied free HIV/STD screening at the center due to their inability to pay.
LGBT Life Center provides free STD/HIV testing services to underserved populations in the community through mobile testing units. It also offers free condoms to sexually active teenagers and members of the public in general.
248 W 24th St, Norfolk, VA 23517, USA
Members of the public are welcome for STI/HIV screening services regardless of their ability to pay. The clinic has no eligibility requirements for clients seeking STD/HIV services.
Minority AIDS Support Services, Inc. offers free condoms to men who have sex with other men, regional and local jails, youths, under-served, and hard-to-reach populations as part of preventive care education during community outreach events. It also provides translation services to non-English speaking clients and pre and post counseling to HIV clients.
247 28th St #100, Newport News, VA 23607, USA
The facility accepts patients with health insurance plans such as United, Virginia Medicaid, Virginia Premier, and Cigna, and offers affordable self-pay rates to uninsured clients seeking STD/HIV screening and treatment.
Planned Parenthood - Virginia Beach Health Center has comfortable waiting and recovery rooms that are convenient for patientsโ privacy. The clinic also offers free sex education and counseling to pregnant teenagers and other sexually active clients who visit for HIV/STD screening.
515 Newtown Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23462, USA
There are no eligibility requirements for patients to access free STD testing and treatment. However, fees apply to patients seeking HIV services at the Ryan White HIV Clinic provided by Eastern Virginia Medical School.
Portsmouth Health Department is active in community outreach programs where it provides free condoms to sexually active members of the public and urges them to visit the facility for free STD screening and testing. It also offers free parking services for clients in need of confidential STI/HIV services.
1701 High St # 102, Portsmouth, VA 23704, USA
The clinic accommodates insured individuals and offers affordable rates to self-pay patients for STI/HIV screening. Additionally, new clients may fill registration forms online and provide a photo ID when checking in at the clinic.
AFC Urgent Care Suffolk provides clients with a free prescription saving card that offers discounts on every FDA-approved medication. It is also affiliated with U-Save Pharmacy, which can fill most prescriptions on time. Additionally, the clinic offers clients with the convenience of online bill payment, and online registration services are available for new patients.
1013 University Blvd #270, Suffolk, VA 23435, USA
The clinic accommodates patients with insurance cover and offers affordable out-of-pocket rates to clients without insurance, who may make payment in full is at the time of service using cash, credit cards, and personal checks.
Velocity Urgent Care offers essential information to members of the public through its various social media platforms. The clinic has kind, warm, and compassionate doctors who provide confidential STD testing and counseling in a nonjudgmental environment.
1326 E Little Creek Rd, Norfolk, VA 23518, USA
The state of Virginia relies heavily on its Family Life Program in the public schools. This program focus primarily on abstinence, and some educators even go so far as to declare sex immoral and evil if you are not married. While some parents and educators are hopeful that if nothing else these classes will scare impressionable teens away from sex, studies are showing that this is not the case.
Recent surveys and polls conducted in high schools across the nation show that teens are engaging in sexual activity at a young age, and that the majority of students have had intercourse at least once before they graduate. With statistics like these it is easy to see why this metro area has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the state.
There have been recent changes to the Family Life Program that shows state and local officials are paying attention to the high STD rate. Along with ensuring that all information on STDs meets federal requirements and is medically accurate, students are also learning how to deal with transgender and identity issues.
While this is a start in the right direction students still need to know how important regular Herpes testing is in Portsmouth, and how it can help stop the spread of the disease in public schools. Regular HIV testing in Portsmouth is also important, and this information is still waiting to be included in the current sex education program.
There are several demographical factors that can be blamed for the metro areaโs high STD rate. The cityโs busy naval shipyard is constantly bringing in new sailors and soldiers that could be infected with a STD without even realizing it. Since sexually transmitted infections can be spread through a variety of methods, it can be easy to pass these diseases to other people.
Recent changes to federal health insurance policies are another reason for the rising STD rates, along with budget cuts to community facilities. Now that testing is now longer covered by Medicaid, many residents are finding they canโt afford this important checkup.
Other contributing factors include the appalling lack of information, along with the various steps residents can take to protect themselves. Until everyone understands how easily STDs can be spread and realizes the importance of regular testing, residents infected each year will only increase..
Before you head out to explore the natural beauty of Craney Island or tour the naval yard there’s something else you should do. Getting tested regularly for all of the STDs is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones, and the simple procedure doesnโt have to take all day. Local labs accept appointments and they are private. Fast and anonymous tests are their specialty.
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.