Free STD Testing in Idaho

Idaho State recorded an alarming rise in the rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), particularly in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It is essential to understand the gravity of the situation and address this issue because sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause long-term health consequences, including infertility, if not treated at the right time.

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Discover Nearby Options

STD testing centers in Idaho

STIs are generally contagious infections transmitted via the exchange of bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and/or saliva. These can be transmitted even without having sexual intercourse by exchanging body fluid or skin-to-skin contact. Whoever is sexually active must get tested for STIs frequently, at least once a year. Many infections don’t show any signs or symptoms but can cause chronic health conditions, including cancer and infertility.

The ideal way to avoid such drastic consequences is to regularly practice safe sex and get screened for STIs. Safe sexual practices include avoiding sexual activities that involve penetration, using condoms and contraceptives. Also, make sure your sexual partner(s) should be tested for STIs and observe signs of an STD like warts, genital rashes, abnormal discharge, or sores.

The best way forward is to get regularly tested for STIs before these turn into STDs. It is a crucial aspect of your and your partner’s better sexual health. Usually, infection occurs without any noticeable side effects, making it even more important to talk to your doctor about receiving regular testing. If diagnosed at the right time, STDs can be successfully treated, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe health consequences.

Labcorp At Walgreens

No Appointment Required

10555 Overland Rd, Boise, Idaho 83709

85.03 mile

Tel: 2086867071


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

3355 E. Louise Drive, Suite 150, Meridian, Idaho 83642

86.5 mile

Tel: 2086053751


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

LabCorp

No Appointment Required

1965 S EAGLE ROAD SUITE 130, MERIDIAN, Idaho 83642

87.03 mile

Tel: 2088886535


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Eastern Idaho Public Health Challis Office

610 Clinic Rd, Ste A, Challis, Idaho 83226

39.21 mile

Tel: (208) 879-2504

Tel: (208) 879-5679


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS/HOPWA

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted

Learn More

South Central Public Health District Bellevue Office

117 E Ash St, Bellevue, Idaho 83313

48.15 mile

Tel: (208) 788-4335

Tel: (208) 788-0098


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Family Health Services Fairfield Clinic

401 W Camas, Fairfield, Idaho 83327

49.67 mile

Tel: (208) 764-2611

Tel: (208) 764-2646


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Eastern Idaho Public Health Mackay Office

301 Cedar St, Mackay, Idaho 83251

57.13 mile

Tel: (208) 588-2947


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee

Learn More

Terry Reilly Health Services Boise - Latah Street Clinic

848 La Cassia St, Boise, Idaho 83705

57.42 mile

Tel: (208) 344-0086

Tel: (208) 466-5359


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

South Central Public Health District Gooding Office

HIV testing is provided at nearby locations for at risk populations. Call for information.

255 N Canyon Dr, Gooding, Idaho 83330

73.7 mile

Tel: (208) 934-4477

Tel: (208) 934-8558


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale

Learn More

Southeastern Idaho Public Health Butte County Office

178 Sunset Dr, Arco, Idaho 83213

77.78 mile

Tel: (208) 527-3463


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Allies Linked for the Prevention of HIV and AIDS

537 W Bannock St, Ste 100, Boise, Idaho 83702

79.07 mile

Tel: (208) 424-7799

Tel: (208) 629-1260


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • No Fee
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Terry Reilly Health Services Boise Clinic

300 S 23rd St, Boise, Idaho 83702

79.81 mile

Tel: (208) 344-3512

Tel: (208) 466-5359


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Central District Health Department Mountain Home Office

HIV or other STI testing available through Reproductive Health Services.

520 E 8th St N, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647

79.96 mile

Tel: (208) 587-4407


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Desert Sage Health Centers

2280 American Legion Blvd, Mountain Home, Idaho 83647

79.96 mile

Tel: (208) 587-3988

Tel: (208) 587-3324


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Substance Abuse Treatment
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment
  • • Primary Care

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands Boise Health Center

.

3668 N Harbor Ln, Boise, Idaho 83703

80.65 mile

Tel: (800) 769-0045

Tel: (206) 788-8339


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Donations Accepted
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Do I have an STD?

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.

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Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in Idaho

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 Idaho. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.

Private testing (Walk-in clinic)

This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.

Doctor's office

Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.

At-home STD testing

If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.

Community health centers and community clinics

One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.

Are STD tests expensive in Idaho?

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.

How long does it usually take for results to come back for an STD test in Idaho?

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.

For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.

Test Advisor

Types of STD tests

Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.

Idaho STD Data

STD data & statistics in Idaho


Idaho has some of the country’s lowest prevalence of STDs among all the states. It ranked relatively low nationally for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In 2017, around 6,200 people were diagnosed with chlamydia in Idaho, giving the state a rate of 368 cases/100,000 people after population adjustment. This was the 7th lowest rate in all 50 US states. However, compared to the 2012 rate, the number of chlamydia cases in Idaho has increased by 30%.

Regarding gonorrhea, the state reportedly had the 4th lowest number of cases among all US states, which was around one-third of the overall national rate. Idaho’s gonorrhea rate was around 80% lower than Mississippi, which had the highest rate of gonorrhea in 2017. Over the years, the gonorrheal infection has exploded all across Idaho as its rate has gone up by over 450% since 2012.

After population adjustment, Idaho’s rate of primary and secondary syphilis cases was the country’s 11th lowest and over 80% less than Nevada’s levels, which had the highest rate of syphilis in 2017. But, the state has recorded over a 440% increase in syphilis cases since 2014.

In Idaho, chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most widely prevalent STD, and the infection rate is the highest among people between the ages of 15 and 24.

The incidence rate of gonorrhea infection in Idaho rose to alarming levels between 2015 and 2016, accounting for 36 infections per 100,000 people. This was the highest reported infection rate in the past thirty years, as in 1968, just 68 infections/100,000 people were reported. Like chlamydia, gonorrheal infections are also commonly reported among young Idahoans.

Around two-thirds of infections are reported among people aged 15-29 years, and over 50% of all infections in 2016-2017 occurred in people aged 20-29 years of age. The rate of gonorrhea cases in south-central Idaho marked a 203% increase in 2016-17, whereas, in southeast Idaho, the rate decreased approx. 14%.

The incidence rate of early syphilis reported during 2015 and 2016 was about five infections in every 100,000 people annually, significantly less than either chlamydia or gonorrhea. (Early syphilis is when the infection has been happening for less than 12 months.) However, recent reports of early syphilis in Idaho are higher today than in 20 years. The increases over the last two years can be attributed to an ongoing outbreak of syphilis in Southwest Idaho and steady incremental increases in the number of early syphilis infections reported among Idahoans in other areas of the state.

The state recorded a syphilis outbreak in 2014, which affected residents of Canyon and Ada counties and contributed to the high number of infections diagnosed in 2015-16. Syphilis, if left untreated, can lead to deafness, blindness, meningitis, dementia, and paralysis.

HIV Rates in Idaho

Idaho is a U.S state located in the northwestern part of the country. The state is home to beautiful landscapes and mountain ranges. In terms of area, Idaho is considered to be the 14th largest state. According to the data from the U.S Bureau of Census, Idaho's population is 1.8 million, making it the 13th least populated state.

Considering the data obtained from the United States Census Bureau, 2019, the total population of Idaho was 1.7 million. The majority of the population of Idaho are White Americans (93%). The rest of the ethnic groups, such as Black Americans, Asians, and individuals of Hispanic origin, are a minority in Idaho.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, CDC Idaho is among those states where the prevalence of HIV is fairly low. In 2015, the state reportedly had 38 adults and adolescents newly diagnosed with the virus.

The numbers from CDC, Idaho State profile indicates that during the year 2015, only 38 individuals were newly diagnosed with HIV. In 2018 according to a report by AIDSVu, the numbers of newly diagnosed cases in the state remained 37, which means that during four years, the numbers of newly diagnosed cases were still the same.

CDC has ranked Idaho43rd of the 50 U.S states of having the largest number of HIV patients. In 2018 1176 adults and adolescents were living with HIV in Idaho. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 population was 82.

Age, Gender, Ethnicity Profile

In 2016, 6,706 cases of STD infections were reported in Idaho. This means roughly 4 infections/1,000 Idahoans. However, the primary issue of concern for the Idaho State government is that the rate of STDs has been rising among teens and young adults across the state. Reportedly, Idahoans aged 15-29 are the most vulnerable group for chlamydia and gonorrhea infections. Over three-quarters of chlamydia cases and around two-thirds of gonorrhea cases were diagnosed in 15-29-year-old Idahoans. Moreover, early syphilis and HIV infections affected a wider age range in the state.

About one in every ten syphilis infections during 2016 were reported in men, accounting for 86% of all cases. Compared to gonorrhea and chlamydia, early syphilis infections were highly prevalent among people aged 20-34. Over half of all infections, reportedly, were among the same age group, and one-third of syphilis cases were diagnosed in people aged 25-34 years.

In 2015, the state had the 38th highest rate of chlamydia diagnoses among people age 15–19 in the country, with an infection rate of 1,452 cases/100,000 people. There were around 1,666 chlamydia cases in people between the age 15-19. The state had the 49th highest rate of reported gonorrhea cases among the same age group compared to the national average, with an infection rate of 47.1 cases/100,000.

Also, in 2015, 54 gonorrhea cases were reported among young people aged 15–19 in Idaho. Furthermore, regarding syphilis, the state had the 46th highest rate of primary and secondary syphilis cases, but just 1 case was identified in 15–19 age group.

In 2015, around 30% of female high schoolers and 29% of male students reported being sexually active, which was higher than the national average of 29% female and 30% male high schoolers. About 29% of Hispanic high schoolers and 30% of whites in Idaho, reportedly, were sexually active, whereas 30% of Hispanics and 30.3% of white high schoolers in the country reportedly were sexually active.

Around 40% of white high school students reported not using condoms. Approximately 2.6% of whites and 5.3% of Hispanic high school students reported having sexual intercourse before turning 13; 91.2% of female high school students and 92% of male students in Idaho reported never been tested for HIV, while 91% of Hispanics and 91.8% of white high schoolers reported never been tested for HIV.

HIV-Specific Data

According to a report by AIDSVu, the total number of individuals living with HIV in Idaho during the year 2018 was 1176, of which 37 alone were newly diagnosed during the same year. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 population during 2018 was 82.

Considering the AIDSVu report, 80.7% of the total people living with HIV were males, while 19.3% were females. White Americans were mainly affected by the virus, so 68.2% of the total positive cases were White Americans, followed by 16.3%Hispanic or Latin individuals, and 9.2% of the cases were Black Americans. The prevalence of the virus was found more in people above 55 years of age (38 %).

During 2018 the total number of HIV-related mortalities in Idaho was 13, while the rate of HIV-related deaths per 100,000 population was 1. The most common mode of transmission of the virus in males was male to male sexual contact (68.5%) while the most common modes of transmission of HIV in females was heterosexual contact (66.5%).

Government Initiatives

The top priorities of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare are to improve outreach and ensure comprehensive STD education. Part of its efforts is health districts across the state and community business organizations. The department continually launches STD prevention and awareness initiatives despite the reduction in national funding for such programs.

There are seven health districts in Idaho, all of which work closely with the state health department to offer to fund for education and outreach, training assistance, and increase testing resources for the districts. By collaborating with community-based organizations in Idaho, the department offers free testing opportunities to individuals and free condoms to the districts. It also provides training on STDs so that health care professionals can determine local and national trends and get familiar with any new treatment options.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) offers school-based HIV/STD prevention programs, which include initiatives like providing funding and technical assistance to local and state educational agencies via different funding streams. CDC’s program aims to ensure better student health, collect/report data on risk behaviors of young people, implement HIV/STD prevention programs, and expand capacity-building.

In 2017, the CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) provided funding to 18 state education agencies and 17 school districts to help them strengthen student health via exemplary sexual health education (ESHE). This includes a more profound emphasis on HIV and STD prevention strategies, increased access to critical sexual health services, and establishing safe and supportive environments for students and staff. To achieve these goals, DASH funded six NGOs to help state and local educational agencies.

Moreover, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare manages the state’s PREP grant along with eight sub-grantees. The programming takes place in schools and community-based settings. Its main targets are students in grades 9-12, mainly Latinos aged between 12-18, and young people in rural areas in Ada, Minidoka, Gooding, Jefferson, Jerome, Kootenai, Latah Bingham, Blaine, Bonneville, Shoshone, Twin Falls, Canyon, Cassia, Elmore, Nez Perce, Owyhee, Payette, and Valley counties.

HIV initiatives in Idaho

As a part of the bigger plan to make America an HIV-free country, there have been several state and federal initiatives that constantly work for facilitating HIV patients in numerous ways and streamlining the treatment opportunities.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has a few programs specially designed to spread awareness and provide HIV prevention interventions to Idaho residents. These preventive interventions include HIV counseling, testing, and referral services in both clinical and community settings. The department has a program for condom distribution to avoid the transmission of virus due to unprotected sexual contact and provision of Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Prep is the medication made available by the IDAHO Department of Health and Welfare for reducing the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact. The medication, however, does not guarantee total protection against this virus. Hence a regular screening is essential too.

AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, ADAP, Idaho is a federally funded initiative that ensures essential medications and treatment services to people living with HIV/AIDS belonging to low-income groups.

Idaho Housing and Finance Association provides various financial assistance services and housing opportunities to the low-income groups of people living with HIV. The financial assistance program involves retaining the affected individual/family's current house financially by paying rent.

Ryan White Part B is a federal funding program that funds state-level organizations that provide treatment and other support services to individuals living with HIV. The program gives funds for medical insurance, treatment, rental support to retain houses, and other services such as transportation to and from the hospital, counseling, and other awareness sessions for the general public.

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  • Athomestdkit.com. 2019. Idaho STD Statistics & Rates - Find Testing Near Me | AtHomeSTDKit.com. [online] Available at: https://www.athomestdkit.com/states/idaho-std-statistics-rates/
  • Harris, S., 2018. SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE RATES IN IDAHO HIT RECORD NUMBERS. [online] IdahoStateJournal. Available at: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/sexually-transmitted-disease-rates-in-idaho-hit-record-numbers/article_a92fd9e1-1b18-5536-b4fb-3910bd1b81a6.html
  • SHAW-TULLOCH, E., 2017. Rise in STDs in Idaho reinforces advice to be safe, get tested. [online] Idaho Statesman. Available at: https://www.idahostatesman.com/living/health-fitness/article174894661.html
  • Siecus.org. 2018. FY 2017 State Profiles- Idaho. [online] Available at: http://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/IDAHO-FY17-FINAL.pdf
  • Uidaho.edu. 2021. Sexually Transmitted Infections. [online] Available at: https://www.uidaho.edu/current-students/vandal-health-education/live-well/physical-health/sex/stis

STD testing FAQs

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.

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.

It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.

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.

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