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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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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
