Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are continually rising in the USA, marking an all-time high number of 2.4 million infections in 2019. This dramatic rise in the incidence and prevalence of STDs bears devastating public health consequences. Untreated STDs pose grave risks as these can cause infertility and cervical cancer and may lead to HIV. Charlotte has been observing high rates of chlamydia since 2020, along with a steady rise in other STDs. Therefore, you must get tested for STDs.
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In North Carolina, chlamydia infection rates rose rapidly in 2020 when the state recorded 64,342 cases at 607.0 cases/per 100k residents. The black community was declared a high-risk group as 1,045.5 cases/100k reported for females and 625.9/100k people for males. African-Americans accounted for over 30% of all chlamydia diagnoses in 2020. Conversely, syphilis and HIV cases are higher in Mecklenburg County, with 717 syphilis cases reported in 2021 compared to 567 in 2020, marking a 20% rise. State authorities urge sexually active individuals to get tested every 3 to 6 months. Here are some of the most affordable walk-in STD/HIV testing facilities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
1718 East 4th Street, Ste 302, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.34 mile
Tel: 7043726607
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
700 S Torrence St, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.28 mile
Tel: (704) 536-7233
Tel: (704) 536-7581
Appointment Required: Yes
1225 Harding Pl, Ste 2100, Charlotte, North Carolina 28204
0.5 mile
Tel: (704) 331-9669
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to become a patient to receive services. Clinic participates in the Ryan White program and offers a sliding scale program for uninsured residents of Mecklenburg County, including free medical care to qualified participants who reside in Mecklenburg County.
1350 S Kings Dr, Ste 600, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207
0.92 mile
Tel: (704) 446-4490
Appointment Required: Yes
601 E 5th St, Ste 140, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
1.14 mile
Tel: (704) 375-0172
Tel: (704) 943-3748
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 Charlotte, North Carolina. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
