The three common Sexually transmitted diseases, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis have risen in the USA since the 1990s. Between 2020 and 2021, syphilis cases reached their highest since 1991. HIV cases are also rising, with 16% more cases reported in 2021 nationwide. The fear of the expected monkeypox outbreak globally impacts MSM more profoundly. It is essential to keep track of your sexual health status through regular STD screening at an authorized testing facility. Untreated STDs pose long-term health consequences for the infected person and their partner(s).
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Columbus is currently observing higher rates of chlamydia compared to other STDs. The city reported 2,876 cases of HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis in 2019. CDC reported that the city boasting a metro population of 194,160 had 1m440 confirmed STD cases per 100k residents, whereas 1,820 chlamydia cases were reported citywide. All sexually active people in Columbus should undergo STI testing at least twice a year, and pregnant ladies should get tested every trimester. Here are some affordable STD testing facilities in Columbus, Ohio.
4830 Knightsbridge Blvd Ste K, Columbus, Ohio 43214
5.73 mile
Tel: 6144512350
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
941 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, Ohio 43230
7.53 mile
Tel: 6144757852
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
50 Old Village Rd Ste 101, Columbus, Ohio 43228
7.67 mile
Tel: 6148788139
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Please visit the website or call for eligibility requirements. STD testing, HIV PrEP and PEP for patients 18+. Trichomoniasis testing available as part of STD testing services.
2160 N High St Walk-ins Welcome, Columbus, Ohio 43201
0.38 mile
Tel: (866) 389-2727
Referral required.
3555 Olentangy River Rd, Smob Unit 3000, Columbus, Ohio 43214
0.38 mile
Tel: (614) 788-5200
Tel: (614) 788-5210
Appointment Required: Yes
1033 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43201
1.08 mile
Tel: (614) 340-6777
Appointment Required: No
1230 N High St, Columbus, Ohio 43201
1.08 mile
Tel: (614) 291-2680
Appointment Required: No
750 E Long St, Ste 3000, Columbus, Ohio 43203
1.31 mile
Tel: (614) 340-6700
Appointment Required: Yes
1500 E 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43219
1.35 mile
Tel: (614) 645-2700
Tel: (614) 645-2727
Appointment Required: Yes
18 E 17th Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43201
1.64 mile
Tel: (614) 222-3604
Tel: (614) 222-3612
Appointment Required: No
16 W Long St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.7 mile
Tel: (614) 225-0990
Tel: (614) 225-0988
Appointment Required: Yes
262 Neil Ave, Ste 230, Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.86 mile
Tel: (614) 533-6740
Appointment Required: Yes
290 E Town St, Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.86 mile
Tel: (614) 788-5400
Appointment Required: Yes
Must be 13 or older to be tested for HIV. Confidential Testing: A picture I.D. required for clients needing a copy of test results. Anonymous Testing: Client is identified only by a number. No record of test results given. Free condoms available. TB screening, testing and treatment of specific...
240 Parsons Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.88 mile
Tel: (614) 645-7772
Tel: (614) 645-2273 (ext Ryan White Services)
Appointment Required: No
41 S High St, Ste 25, Columbus, Ohio 43215
1.93 mile
Tel: (614) 533-6700
Appointment Required: Yes
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in Columbus, Ohio. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.
Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.
If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.
One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
It can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.
Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.
For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.
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Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.
It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.
It is recommended to get tested for STDs if you have had unprotected sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with STDs. Additionally, regular testing is recommended as part of routine sexual health care, even in the absence of symptoms, especially for individuals who are sexually active.
Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!