Where to Get an STI Test

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be asymptomatic, especially in women, meaning you may not have any symptoms but can still spread or suffer complications from an infection. Taking charge of your sexual health is important, and one of the best ways to do that is through regular STI testing. Whether you're sexually active, have a new partner, or just want peace of mind, knowing where and how to get tested is key.

In the United States, women have many options for STI testing, each with different levels of accessibility, cost, comfort, and convenience. Below, we guide you through the various places to get tested and what to expect from the process.

How are STIs tested? 

Testing methods differ based on the specific sexually transmitted infection. 

• Chlamydia, trichomoniasis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and gonorrhea: There are bacterial STIs typically tested through a swab from the vagina or cervix, or with a urine sample. 
• Syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV): These are viral STIs diagnosed with a blood test.
• Herpes: This is often diagnosed with a swab of an active sore or a blood test to check for antibodies.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Detected through a Pap smear, which screens for cervical abnormalities caused by the virus.

Testing is essential because untreated infections can lead to serious health problems, like infertility, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and increased risk of HIV. Now that you know how STIs are tested, let’s look at where you can go to get tested.

Doctor’s office or gynecologist

Seeing your regular doctor or gynecologist is a common way to get tested for STIs. They can offer advice based on your medical history and sexual activity, and you can discuss other health issues at the same time.

Pros:

• Comprehensive care: Your doctor can offer a full health checkup alongside STI testing.
• Personalized advice: They know your health history and can guide you through treatment if needed.
• Insurance coverage: Tests may be fully or partially covered by health insurance.

Cons:

• Cost: Without insurance, tests can be expensive. Even with insurance, you might have co-pays.
• Time: You may need to schedule an appointment far in advance and wait for results.
• Comfort: Discussing sexual health face-to-face may feel uncomfortable for some people.

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood is a popular choice for STI testing, especially for those who need affordable care. They offer testing for all the common STIs, often on a sliding scale based on income.

Pros:

• Affordability: Planned Parenthood offers free or low-cost testing based on your financial situation.
• Accessibility: Locations across the U.S. make it easy to find a clinic.
• Non-judgmental environment: Their staff is known for providing care without stigma or judgment.

Cons:

• Wait times: Clinics can be busy, so you might experience longer wait times for appointments or results.
• Limited services in some areas: Not all locations may offer the full range of STI tests or other sexual health services.

Urgent care 

Urgent care centers are another option if you need testing quickly or can't get in to see your regular doctor. These walk-in services often provide STI testing without needing an appointment.

Pros:

• Convenience: Walk-ins are accepted, and clinics have extended hours, including weekends.
• Quick results: Many urgent care centers offer fast turnaround times for test results.

Cons:

• Cost: Urgent care visits can be pricey, especially if you don’t have insurance.
• Less specialized care: You may not receive the same level of sexual health expertise as you would from a gynecologist or Planned Parenthood.

Community health center

Community health clinics often provide free or low-cost STI testing, particularly for underserved populations. These clinics are funded by the government or non-profit organizations to make healthcare more accessible.

Pros:

• Affordability: Many offer free or low-cost testing or charge on a sliding scale based on income.
• Accessibility: They aim to serve uninsured or low-income individuals.

Cons:

• Availability: Clinics may not be as readily available in some areas.
• Wait times: These clinics can be busy, resulting in longer waits for both appointments and results.

At-home STI testing

At-home STI tests offer a discreet and convenient way to test for STIs. These tests allow you to collect your samples (like a vaginal swab) in the privacy of your own home, mail them to a lab, and receive results online.

When done the right way, at-home STI tests can be just as accurate as those done by a healthcare provider. The main difference is that you get to collect your sample instead of a doctor or nurse doing it for you. While no test is completely perfect, studies show that at-home kits have about 90% accuracy. Plus, research shows these at-home tests encourage more people to check their STI status, which is super important for preventing infections. 

When you're thinking of ordering an at-home STI test, just make sure to check its credentials. Evvy's STI Test meets Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards and is done at a lab that's certified by CAP, CLEP, and CLIA.

One option for at-home testing is Evvy’s STI Test, which tests for four of the most common STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mycoplasma genitalium, and trichomoniasis). Evvy’s test uses a vaginal swab that you collect yourself, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. If your test comes back positive, you can also access treatment through our Clinical Care Program.

Pros:

• Convenience: You can do the test at home whenever you’re ready, without needing to book an appointment or wait in a clinic.
• Privacy: There’s no need for face-to-face interaction, which can feel more comfortable for some women.
• Accessibility: People living with disabilities or chronic illnesses might find it hard to travel to a clinic to get tested. Testing from home removes that obstacle.
• Quick results: Results are often available within a few days of the lab receiving your sample. 

Cons:

• Cost: At-home STI tests may not be covered by insurance and can range from $100 to $200 depending on the company and the tests included.
• Limited testing options: At-home tests typically screen for only a few STIs. For a full panel of tests, a clinic visit may still be necessary.
• No immediate treatment: If you test positive, you'll still need to follow up with a healthcare provider for treatment. If you test positive for an STI with Evvy, you’ll be offered treatment immediately (and can pick up from your local pharmacy that same day).

FAQ

Where is the easiest place to get tested for STDs?

That depends on what “easy” means to you. When deciding where to get an STI test, it’s essential to consider factors like accessibility, cost, comfort, and location. If you have insurance and prefer personalized care, a visit to your doctor or gynecologist may be the best option. Planned Parenthood or a community health clinic are excellent choices for affordable or free testing. Urgent care clinics offer convenience, while at-home testing like Evvy’s STI Test can provide privacy and ease.

Can a pharmacy do an STI test?

Yes, many pharmacies offer convenient at-home STI testing kits that allow you to check for one or more sexually transmitted infections from the comfort of your home. These kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and are available for purchase online or in-store. Plus, some larger pharmacy chains even have in-store clinics where you can access basic healthcare services, including testing for common STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis.