Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the latter stage of STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Also called venereal diseases/VD, these infections spread via sexual contact, touching, kissing, etc. In the USA, around 2.6 million new STI cases were reported post-COVID years. The most common types of STDs include syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, genital herpes, HPV, and gonorrhea. Since most STDs don't show symptoms until the infection has spread drastically, the only solution is to get tested frequently. Learn more about STD/HIV testing in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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New Mexico is among the badly impacted US states regarding STD rates. It ranked 10th in chlamydia cases with 14,000 cases and 651.6 cases/100k population compared to 528.8 cases nationally. The CDC reported that in syphilis cases, New Mexico ranked second in 2019 with 24.4 cases/100k people. It ranked 11th in gonorrheal infection rates in 2019, with over 5,000 cases. STI/STD testing is essential to ensure your and your partner's safety, as most STDs can lead to lasting health consequences, including infertility, sterility, and cancers. New Mexicans should make annual STD testing compulsory to avoid the risk. Find out your nearest, affordable STD/HIV testing center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, here.
3901 Georgia Ne, Ste C1, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110
4.52 mile
Tel: 5052980963
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
801 Encino Pl NE, Bldg F, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
1.35 mile
Tel: (505) 272-1312
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to become a patient to receive services.
1231 Candelaria Rd NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107
1.39 mile
Tel: (505) 345-3244
Tel: (505) 344-4056
Appointment Required: Yes
Must be Native American.
801 Vassar Dr NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
2.13 mile
Tel: (505) 248-4000
Tel: (505) 248-4088
Need to become a patient to receive services.
1401 William St SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102
2.5 mile
Tel: (505) 768-5450
Tel: (505) 842-1185
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 Albuquerque, New Mexico. 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.
It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
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.
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.
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.
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!
