One in five Americans were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in 2018, taking the lifetime cost of treatment in a single year to $16 billion. Reportedly, the rise in bacterial STDs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, and virus-based infections like HIV is fueled by a reduction in condom usage, stigmas surrounding STDs, and low STD testing rates. The first step to optimum sexual health and well-being is making STD testing a regular part of your annual health checkup. Many comprehensive STD testing facilities are available in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Find your nearest clinic here.
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In Lancaster County, chlamydia and gonorrhea are the most common STDs, and the most impacted age group is 15-to-20-year-olds, contributing to half of all reported STD diagnoses. Since 2017, Lancaster County has observed a steady increase in STDs. At the end of 2018, there were 1,600, and in 2019, 1,661 reported STD cases. Gonorrheal infections also increased substantially, with 283 cases in 2009 to 551 in 2019. Ensure STD testing for your and your partner's safety, as these infections are passed on to others through intercourse, touching, and kissing. Free to low-cost STD testing facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, are listed here.
330 North Arch St, Unit 1, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603
0.51 mile
Tel: 7172913262
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
HIV testing not offered routinely, but on an as needed basis during normal business hours. Clinic provides referrals for STD testing services. HPV vaccines available for those under 19 who qualify.
1661 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
0.32 mile
Tel: (717) 299-7597
Tel: (717) 396-7197
Appointment Required: Yes
Please visit the website or call for eligibility requirements. STD testing, HIV PrEP and PEP for patients 18+. Trichomoniasis testing available as part of STD testing services.
1507 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
0.32 mile
Tel: (866) 389-2727
Age 14 and older. No insurance is needed. Free condoms, dental dams, finger cots and lubricants available. Case Management for individuals diagnosed with HIV.
453 S Lime St, Ste A, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602
0.32 mile
Tel: (717) 397-6267
Appointment Required: Yes
554 N Duke St, 3rd Floor, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
0.46 mile
Tel: (717) 544-4943
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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
