Sexually transmitted disease (STD) is an infection that spreads from person to person through sexual contact, skin contact, or blood transfusion. The US has a disturbingly high rate of STDs, primarily chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. A reduction in testing rates has caused the STD prevalence rates to skyrocket during 2021-2022. Ignoring STD testing leads to long-term health consequences, whereas early diagnoses can help treat the problem successfully. People with multiple partners, MSM, gays, bisexuals, and anyone who is sexually active regardless of their age/gender/race should undergo STD/HIV screening.
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Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardExplore Nearby Options
Michigan’s pre-pandemic STD rates were lower than the current statistics. All three notifiable STDs are on the rise statewide. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state converted STD/HIV testing facilities into coronavirus testing centers, which is why testing rates declined dramatically, causing an insane hike in STDs. As per the state health department, gonorrhea rates have risen 75% since 2010, and primary/secondary syphilis rates have tripled since 2012. P&S syphilis rates increased by 25% in 2021 alone. Please make STD/HIV testing essential to your annual health checkup. Find your nearest testing facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan, here.
1155 E Paris Se, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
4.51 mile
Tel: 6169428609
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
425 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
0.19 mile
Tel: (616) 459-3101
Tel: (616) 224-8754
Appointment Required: Yes
Photo ID required for all testing. Call for alternative documents needed if no ID available. Services are confidential, evidence-based, and client-focused. Medical staff are committed, board-certified professionals.
415 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
0.21 mile
Tel: (616) 456-6873
Appointment Required: Yes
72 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
0.44 mile
Tel: (616) 331-9830
Tel: (616) 331-9831
Tel: (616) 988-8775
Appointment Required: Yes
Services are available for all persons 13 years of age or older. Minors do not need parental or guardian consent for counseling, testing, or treatment. Persons concerned about Hepatitis B or C testing will need to discuss their risk with a clinic nurse. Other high-risk testing criteria have been...
700 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
1.33 mile
Tel: (616) 632-7020
Tel: (616) 632-7200
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 Grand Rapids, Michigan. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
