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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
