The CDC reported 2.5 million sexually transmitted infections in 2021, surpassing the 2.4 million cases recorded in 2020 when the pandemic was at its peak. In 2021, syphilis marked an unprecedented increase nationwide, which led to a rise in congenital syphilis cases, reporting a 24% rise in 2021-22. It affects babies while in the womb and leads to congenital disabilities and even death. Moreover, HIV cases rose by 16%, chlamydia by 3%, and gonorrhea by 2.8%. Untreated STDs can cause infertility, ectopic pregnancies, cancer, and organ failure. Tennessee is among the high-risk states, so Chattanooga residents must prioritize STD testing. Learn more about STD/HIV screening in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
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All three common STDs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are prevalent in Tennessee. The CDC's Surveillance State Ranking report ranked Tennessee at 12 for chlamydia, 21 for syphilis, and 10 for gonorrhea in 2021. The state ranked 27 for congenital syphilis cases. Hamilton County is facing a syphilis outbreak, with cases far greater than 2020 rates. In 2021, the county reported a 26% rise in syphilis affecting over ten individuals per 100k residents. Make sure to get yourself tested for STIs. Find your nearest testing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, here.
600 N Holtzclaw Ave Ste 210, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
2.13 mile
Tel: 8666978378
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Need to register as a patient.
1200 Dodson Ave, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37406
1.3 mile
Tel: (423) 778-2800
Appointment Required: Yes
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.
1301 Dorchester Rd, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37405
2.28 mile
Tel: (866) 389-2727
Medical services are for people living with HIV. Rapid HIV testing and counseling services open to the general public. To receive a HIV self-testing kit, please visit the website and complete request form.
1000 E 3rd St, Ste 300, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37403
2.69 mile
Tel: (423) 265-2273
Tel: (423) 756-1223
Appointment Required: No
1212 McCallie Ave, Ste 150, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
2.71 mile
Tel: (423) 803-2580
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 Chattanooga, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
