Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections caused by parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Sometimes, the condition can go undetected as the symptoms are more like flu or COVID-19, so the infected person may just feel a fever or slight pain in the body. When you visit your doctor for an annual physical checkup, include a sexual health inspection with STI testing. If diagnosed, the infection can be successfully treated through medications. The first step to better health is STI testing. Learn more about where to get tested in Rochester, NY.
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New York is among those US states where STI/STD prevalence is comparatively high. In 2018, Monroe County reported the state's highest STI rates, with 55 new HIV diagnoses, 5,382 chlamydia cases, and 1,888 gonorrheal infections. In 2020, the state witnessed a 77% rise in gonorrhea cases, and around 55% of all reported STI cases in New York were diagnosed among people aged 26 or below. MSM, people with multiple partners, non-Hispanic blacks, bisexuals, and gays are high-risk communities. Please make sure you make STI screening compulsory this year. Check out the best testing centers in Rochester, NY, here.
777 S. Clinton Ave., Suite 150, Rochester, New York 14620
1.97 mile
Tel: 5857580510
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
No eligibility requirements for testing services. Free male and female condoms available.
189 N Water St, Ste 1, Rochester, New York 14604
0.58 mile
Tel: (585) 420-1400
Appointment Required: Yes
322 Lake Ave, Rochester, New York 14608
0.6 mile
Tel: (585) 254-6480
Tel: (585) 254-1092
Appointment Required: Yes
82 Holland St, Rochester, New York 14605
0.72 mile
Tel: (585) 423-5800
Tel: (585) 423-2890
Appointment Required: Yes
All services are free and minors (under 18 years of age) do not need their parent’s consent to be seen. Meningococcal(MCV4) Vaccine also offered at this location.
855 W Main St, Bullshead Plaza, Rochester, New York 14611
0.76 mile
Tel: (585) 753-5481
Appointment Required: No
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 Rochester, New York. 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.
A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.
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.
Yes. Certain companies offer at-home testing kits wherein you are the one that will collect the specimens necessary for the test at the comfort of your own home. Sure, it might sometimes be subject to errors due to the potential contamination of the sample from collection to transportation, but it does offer a great deal of privacy and convenience for patients who would prefer to have their identities hidden in fear that their community will judge them.
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.
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!
