STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) can cause irreparable damage to your body if left untreated. Some prevalent STDs in the USA are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, which are generally spread through close skin-to-skin contact, sexual activity, and even to unborn babies during pregnancy. These infections are caused due to bacteria, parasites, or viruses penetrating the body. Millions of Americans get infected with STDs, and one can even develop multiple diseases. For instance, those infected with chlamydia also become vulnerable to HIV. STD testing is necessary to ensure your health and well-being. Learn more about STD/HIV testing in Columbia, South Carolina.
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South Carolina has America’s third-highest statewide STD rate, with 999.9 cases detected per 100k residents in 2021. Richland County is amongst its worst-affected regions. It has the third-highest STD rate among all US counties, with 1,939.4 cases diagnosed/100k residents. Since South Carolina comprises large rural areas, STD testing is not as common, given the lack of transportation. However, in the post-pandemic years, STD testing has become more commonplace. Columbia, SC, has many low-cost, confidential STD testing facilities. Find your nearest clinic here.
120 Highland Ctr Dr Ste 130b, Columbia, South Carolina 29203
5.97 mile
Tel: 8034621271
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
1813 Laurel St, Columbia, South Carolina 29201
3.32 mile
Tel: (803) 254-6644
Tel: (803) 254-2209
Appointment Required: Yes
1 Richland Medical Park Dr , Ste 420, Columbia, South Carolina 29203
3.32 mile
Tel: (803) 545-5350
Tel: (803) 545-5353
Appointment Required: Yes
2000 Hampton St, Columbia, South Carolina 29204
3.32 mile
Tel: (803) 576-2980
Tel: (855) 472-3432
Appointment Required: Yes
1911 Hampton St, Columbia, South Carolina 29201
3.32 mile
Tel: (803) 849-8430
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 Columbia, South 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.
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.
Depending on the test being performed and the testing physician's targeted diseases, various types of samples can be requested from you. In some instances, a minuscule blood sample of a few milliliters will be collected, some might ask for a urine sample, and others may opt for a genital swab. Again, the sample being collected will depend on the test being conducted and the outcome that is being targeted for this particular procedure.
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.
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.
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.
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!
