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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
