Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are preventable if you make STD screening a part of your annual health checkup. Unfortunately, over two million new infections are detected yearly in the USA. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, the three most common STDs in America, are preventable and curable but still impact a huge chunk of the country's population. Young adults and teenagers are the most vulnerable populace. Congenital syphilis that causes premature delivery, stillbirth, and physical/neurological issues among newborns, is also increasing nationally.
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Louisville ranked 6th among its peer cities in chlamydia diagnosis rates per 100,000 population in 2019. The city has been recording high syphilis and HIV rates lately. Since 2021, the city has reported 126 HIV cases, and the median number of cases s 144 per year since 2017. Conversely, the syphilis infection rate in Louisville increased from 73 cases in 2014 to 89 in 2016, marking a 19% increase between 2014 and 2016. Gonorrhea is also rapidly rising in post-pandemic Louisville. The best course of action for Louisville residents is to undergo regular STD/HIV screening at any of the following testing centers.
6400 Dutchmans Pkwy, Ste 155, Louisville, Kentucky 40205
4.35 mile
Tel: 5028937972
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services. Photo ID is required at check-in. Walk-ins welcome until 3:30pm daily, appointment recommended.
2237 Hikes Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40218
2.47 mile
Tel: (502) 479-8930
Appointment Required: Yes
Practice membership is required. Do not accept Medicare or any insurance.
1169 Eastern Pkwy, Ste 2358, Louisville, Kentucky 40217
5.92 mile
Tel: (502) 890-9979
Appointment Required: Yes
Must register as a patient in order to receive services.
4805 Southside Dr, Louisville, Kentucky 40214
6.31 mile
Tel: (502) 772-8860
Tel: (502) 363-7704
Appointment Required: Yes
Must register as patient in order to receive services.
1000 Neighborhood Place, Fairdale, Kentucky 40118
6.57 mile
Tel: (502) 361-2381
Tel: (502) 363-1463
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 Louisville, Kentucky. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
