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.
Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
