Ignoring your sexual health status can expose you to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and you may pass it on to your partner. STIs are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and transmitted from one person to another through kissing and touching. The asymptomatic attribute of most common STDs in America, including gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia makes them silent killers as without feeling anything you will develop life-threatening diseases. This happens if the STIs are left untreated. Early intervention is possible through timely testing.
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In Alabama, STIs are on the rise, particularly gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis. Chlamydia is by far the most frequently reported STI in Alabama but other infections are also rising steadily. In 2021 the state recorded over 34,000 chlamydia, marking a 16% rise from the rates of 2021 when the state had 27,000 reported cases. Madison County where Alabama’s largest city Huntsville is located ranked 25 in 67 Alabama counties for growing STD rates at 10.3 cases per 100k individuals. STD testing is your gateway to optimum health and well-being. find your nearest facility in Huntsville, Alabama, here.
301 Governors Dr Sw, Suite 110, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
3.57 mile
Tel: 2565514547
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Free Rapid HIV Test. There is a fee for Conventional HIV Testing. Limited HPV Treatment. For HIV positive patients all medical services are provided regardless of the client's ability to pay...
600 St Clair Ave SW, Bldg 3, Huntsville, Alabama 35801
3.5 mile
Tel: (256) 536-4700
Tel: (256) 382-5696
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to make an appointment to have HIV/STD services.
751 Pleasant Row NW, Huntsville, Alabama 35816
3.52 mile
Tel: (256) 533-6311
Tel: (256) 536-0801
Appointment Required: No
The Alabama Department of Public Health 67 County Health Departments operate free, confidential STD clinics statewide. Free testing and treatment is provided for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV.
281 Alexander Ave, Centreville, Alabama 35042
3.72 mile
Tel: (205) 926-9702
Tel: (205) 926-6536
Appointment Required: Yes
405 Belcher St, Centreville, Alabama 35042
3.72 mile
Tel: (205) 926-2992
Tel: (205) 316-7675
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 Huntsville, Alabama. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
