The US is currently dealing with an STD epidemic that doesn't seem to die down anytime soon. Three infectious diseases, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, along with HIV, have gripped the nation, affecting people across all age groups, from early teens to older adults. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are bacterial infections that can cause permanent health issues such as infertility, testicular swelling, and pelvic inflammatory disease if left untreated. Untreated syphilis leads to organ failures, such as brain and heart, and could be transferred to newborns. Early testing is possible in Memphis, Tennessee, as there are many low-cost to free clinics offering confidential diagnostic and treatment services.
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Tennessee has been recording astoundingly high STD rates lately, and Memphis is among its most impacted cities. Innerbody.com ranked 12th in its list of US cities with high STD rates in 2020 for registering 6,601 HIV, 11,407 chlamydia, 4,620 gonorrhea, and 226 syphilis cases, and overall 2045 cases per 100k people. Tennessee ranked 9th in the CDC's list of states with the highest gonorrhea rates nationwide. This indicates a dire need to monitor your sexual health to prevent the infection from causing lifelong complications. Find your nearest STD/HIV testing clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, here.
2715 Kirby Rd, Suite 7, Memphis, Tennessee 38119
7.86 mile
Tel: 9017585963
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
2569 Douglass Ave, Memphis, Tennessee 38114
0.37 mile
Tel: (901) 842-3164
Appointment Required: No
1000 Haynes, Memphis, Tennessee 38114
0.67 mile
Tel: (901) 222-9980
Appointment Required: Yes
1331 Union Ave, Ste 1240, Memphis, Tennessee 38103
1.39 mile
Tel: (901) 522-5341
Appointment Required: Yes
3362 S 3rd St, Memphis, Tennessee 38109
1.39 mile
Tel: (901) 842-3166
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 Memphis, Tennessee. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.
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.
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.
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 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.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
