Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) stay undetected because these produce mild symptoms, which people casually brush off. The virus stays dormant for several years while the infection gets transmitted to your sex partner(s). That’s how the number of STD cases keeps increasing. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis rates are touching all-time high numbers due to sexually active individuals ignoring the need to get tested for STDs. By the time they get diagnosed, the infection has already targeted many others and itself becomes untreatable. To avoid the anxiety please think about undergoing STD screening in Lakeland, Florida.
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Florida ranked 7th in the list of highest STD rates in the country in 2022 with 1,355 cases reported per 100k residents. That’s way below other states, such as New York, Mississippi, or South Carolina. However, independently, the numbers aren’t too satisfying since the state has the 2nd highest number of reported syphilis cases at 3,674, 3rd highest number of reported chlamydia cases at 100,030, and 4th highest gonorrhea diagnosis rate at 40,788. Moreover, Florida ranked 3rd for reported HIV cases at 114,541. STD testing is essential for all sexually active individuals in Lakeland, Florida.
3037 Lakeland Hills Blvd Ste 1, Lakeland, Florida 33805
1.69 mile
Tel: 8666978378
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Need to register as a patient.
1129 N Missouri Ave, Lakeland, Florida 33805
0.29 mile
Tel: (863) 413-8600
Tel: (866) 234-8534
Appointment Required: Yes
Services are for homeless individuals.
814 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, Florida 33801
0.32 mile
Tel: (863) 226-4261
Appointment Required: Yes
Free Hepatitis A & B vaccines to adults who are either at risk for the disease or complications due to other chronic liver diseases. Sliding fee scale for some services. Ryan White clients should call for appointment...
3241 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, Florida 33805
1.87 mile
Tel: (863) 519-7910
Appointment Required: Yes
2250 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland, Florida 33803
3.7 mile
Tel: (863) 665-5735
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 Lakeland, Florida. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
