Around 1.1 million people are living with HIV in the USA, and about 56,300 new infections are reported annually. Those with an STD, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are at a greater risk of contracting HIV. In case you test positive, modern medications are available to treat HIV and other STDs. But their effectiveness depends on how sooner you start treatment. Early testing is also essential to prevent the transmission of infection to others. Learn more about STD/HIV testing in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Rhode Island reported a shocking rise in numbers of the three notifiable STDs, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Between 2010 and 2019, syphilis rates increased by over 200%, whereas gonorrhea spiked by 400%. Providence County accounted for the largest number of combined STIs, reporting 78% of all chlamydia, 81% of syphilis, and 87% of gonorrheal infections in the state. Moreover, health experts noted that STIs impacted people across all age groups, socioeconomic levels, sexual orientations, and genders. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common STDs in Rhode Island. Listed below are some free and low-cost STD/HIV testing clinics in Providence, RI.
1 Randall Sq, Providence, Rhode Island 02904
1.06 mile
Tel: 4014560545
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
All residents of the State of Rhode Island are eligible for Health Center services. This is an LGBTQ+ safe zone clinic.
1126 Hartford Ave, Providence, Rhode Island 02919
0.27 mile
Tel: (401) 519-1940
Appointment Required: Yes
HIV/STD testing open to the general public. Testing is provided free for those without insurance.
180 Corliss St, Ste E, Providence, Rhode Island 02904
0.27 mile
Tel: (401) 793-2928
Appointment Required: Yes
The clinic primarily serves the homeless population, and others are welcomed on a sliding fee schedule. Many insurances are accepted.
160 Broad St, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
0.43 mile
Tel: (401) 861-2403
Tel: (401) 521-1145
Appointment Required: Yes
1 Hoppin St, Ste 3055, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
0.6 mile
Tel: (401) 444-5980
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 Providence, Rhode Island. 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.
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.
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.
Similar to how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
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.
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.
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!
