Every sexually active individual, whether young or old, irrespective of their religion, race, and ethnicity, should think about getting tested for STDs annually. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting rid of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) like chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis may become impossible unless you get tested. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting an STD. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis are the most common STDs in Philadelphia. Annual HIV/STD screening is recommended, including pregnant women.
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In Pennsylvania, chlamydia is the most common STD, with 59,340 infections reported in 2018. Syphilis and gonorrhea are also on the rise statewide. According to the CDC, Pennsylvania reported 2,414 syphilis and 15,887 gonorrhea cases in 2018. Health experts claim that in Pennsylvania, particularly Philadelphia, STD cases are increasing because of the city's high poverty rate and a general spike in unprotected sex. Philadelphians must keep track of their sexual health by making STD/HIV testing a mandatory part of their annual health checkup. Here are the most affordable STD testing centers in Philadelphia.
400 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19133
0.6 mile
Tel: 2154262626
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Need to register as a patient.
401 W Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19133
0.57 mile
Tel: (215) 291-2500
Tel: (215) 291-2587
Appointment Required: Yes
3401 N Broad St, 8 Fl Zone B, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
0.9 mile
Tel: (215) 707-3232
Appointment Required: Yes
Congreso’s Esfuerzo Program provides HIV/AIDS prevention, education and medical case management. The Prevention and Education Unit provides HIV testing onsite and throughout Philadelphia via a mobile van. Free condoms and safer sex kits available. For those Persons Living with HIV/AIDS that are...
216 W Somerset St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19133
1.03 mile
Tel: (215) 763-8870
Appointment Required: Yes
2913-15 Kensington Ave, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19134
1.29 mile
Tel: (215) 634-5272
Tel: (215) 634-5271
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 Philadelphia, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
