Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases are caused when certain bacteria, parasites, or viruses enter your body through sexual contact. These diseases can be passed from person-to-person through any form of sexual or body contact. Moreover, these can be passed to an uninfected person by sharing needles and kissing/touching. Initially, the infection symptoms are mild, but eventually, it leads to grave health complications, including cancer and infertility. The CDC recommends all sexually active people get screened for common STDs in Portland, Maine.
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In Maine, STDs are climbing at an unexpectedly fast pace. Common bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are widespread statewide. Thousands of Mainers are diagnosed with STDs annually. In 2017, the state’s chlamydia rate was 4,551 compared to 2,586 cases in 2010, marking a 76% rise. Meanwhile, gonorrhea increased by 28% from 162 cases in 2010 and 451 cases in 2016 to 577 in 2017. Furthermore, syphilis increased from 48 in 2016 to 84 the next year, marking an 83% rise. The HIV positivity rate was 47 in 2016. Make STD screening a priority at your annual health checkup in Portland, Maine.
60 Forest Falls Drive, Yarmouth, Maine 04096
9.83 mile
Tel: 2073671299
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
The cost of a comprehensive STD screening is $60, although you may be eligible for low or no cost testing. Please contact the clinic with questions.
103 India St, Portland, Maine 04101
1.46 mile
Tel: (207) 874-8446
Tel: (207) 874-8768
Appointment Required: Yes
180 Park Ave, Portland, Maine 04102
1.48 mile
Tel: (207) 874-2141
Appointment Required: Yes
If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale.
443 Congress St, Portland, Maine 04101
1.49 mile
Tel: (207) 797-8881
Tel: (207) 773-1697
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.
111 Auburn St, Portland, Maine 4103
2.04 mile
Tel: (866) 389-2727
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 Portland, Maine. 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 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.
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.
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 can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.
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.
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!
