Fast, Easy, & Affordable STD Testing Near You

While the idea of being tested for STDs can sometimes seem uncomfortable or even frightening, it's one of the smartest things you can do for your health, especially if you're sexually active and not in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship.

The CDC reported 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in the United States in 2022.

STIs can be spread through multiple methods, and this is not only limited to sexual activity. Some viruses, like herpes, are spread through casual contact, which makes it essential for everyone to be tested regardless of their past sexual history.

People of any age, race, and gender can get an STD. Many people do not experience symptoms and are unaware they can spread them. Getting tested can erase your doubts and help you to stay informed about your body.

If you’re concerned or uncertain about whether you have an STD, take the next step and visit a qualified health care provider who offers STD testing and counseling.

You should get tested if you’ve never been tested before, had sex with more than one partner, had unprotected sex, or are worried about a recent STD exposure. Don't forget to let your partner/s know if they fall under these categories so they can also get tested. 

Test results are more accurate when you test at the right time. For example, it would be best to wait two weeks post-exposure for gonorrhea and chlamydia and four weeks post-exposure for syphilis and HIV. Those diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas should be retested three months after treatment to confirm resolution. If symptoms appear, immediate testing is recommended. Those 18 or older should be tested at least once for hepatitis B, especially if they have not been vaccinated. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the following: 

• All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
• All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
• Everyone who is pregnant should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy. Those at risk for infection should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases.
• All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested:
  • At least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
  • At least once a year for HIV and may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
  • At least once a year for hepatitis C, if living with HIV.
• Anyone who engages in sexual behaviors that could place them at risk for infection or shares injection drug equipment should get tested for HIV at least once a year.
• People who have had oral or anal sex should talk with their healthcare provider about throat and rectal testing options.

There are private and public STD testing options, each with varying costs. Private facilities are fast, and while they may cost more than public facilities, you are paying for that privacy. Additional benefits include bookable appointments and quick turnaround of results. Many public testing sites provide free tests, however, pricing can be income dependent or you may have to pay out of pocket based on their eligibility criteria. 

Laws for patients 17 and younger vary from state to state. While most states allow you to get tested without parental or guardian approval, it is best to check your state laws.

The purpose of the picture ID is to confirm your identity, which ensures testing is performed on and results are released to the right person. Providing your photo ID does not compromise your confidentiality, which is required by law, regardless of age. 

Many physicians do not routinely include STI testing as part of annual physicals unless you are open about your sexual history or specifically request it.