Staying aware of your sexual health isn't unusual, but most people are ignorant of it due to social pressures and the idea that discussing sex is immoral. Conversely, the US's STD rates are rising sharply for the past ten years, with new infections crossing 2.5 million in 2021. This is why the CDC urges all sexually active individuals to get tested for common STDs whether they experience any unusual symptoms or not. Some common symptoms include vaginal discharge in women, abdominal pain, and burning sensations in male genitals. Learn more about free or low-cost and confidential STD testing clinics in Panama City, Florida.
Board Approved
Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardExplore Nearby Options
In Florida, males and females are equally impacted by STDs. In Bay County, HIV infection rates were comparatively higher than in other counties, with 18.4 cases/100k residents reported in 2017. Gonorrhea rate was 185.5 per 100k people and chlamydia rate was 398.4 cases per 100k people. Overall the county recorded 338 gonorrhea, 33 HIV, and 726 chlamydia cases in 2017. Make STD screening compulsory at every health checkup to safeguard your sexual health. Scroll down to locate Panama City, Florida's most affordable STD testing facilities.
3009 Highway 77, Ste K & L, Panama City, Florida 32405
3.01 mile
Tel: 8666978378
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
597 W 11th St, Panama City, Florida 32401
4.58 mile
Tel: (850) 872-4455
Tel: (850) 747-5475
Appointment Required: No
HPV vaccines available for VFC-eligible patients only. Need to enroll as a patient. Bring to 1st appointment: photo ID; insurance card, if you have any; list of current medications; new patient packet; sliding fee scale application (if applying); proof of income (if applying for sliding scale fee).
255 W River Rd, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465
24.65 mile
Tel: (850) 639-5828
Tel: (850) 639-5536
Appointment Required: Yes
807 W Hwy 22, Wewahitchka, Florida 32465
24.98 mile
Tel: (850) 639-2644
Appointment Required: Yes
2475 Garrison Ave, Port Saint Joe, Florida 32456
33.71 mile
Tel: (850) 227-1276
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 Panama City, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
