Free STD Testing in Puerto Rico

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are the most commonly reported notifiable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the US territory of Puerto Rico (PR). STD rates in PR have increased significantly over the past ten years. It is worth noting that the most common infectious disease in PR is often an STD.

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STD testing centers in Puerto Rico

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are the initial stage of STDs. The infection could be caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites, and it is usually transmitted via unprotected vagina, oral, or anal sex. Furthermore, skin-to-skin genital contact and needle exchange can also become causes of infection. Do you know that Zika Virus is also a sexually transmitted disease?

Syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia are the most commonly reported STDs in the USA and PR. In most cases, these infections can be transmitted unknowingly since a person may be asymptomatic and exhibit no specific symptoms of infection. Depending on the infection, symptoms may appear within a few days or take several weeks to be detected. Such as chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea symptoms may appear after several weeks while syphilis, hepatitis B, and HIV symptoms could take several months to appear,

Some of the common symptoms that may appear on their own or in combination are burning sensation when urinating, abnormal genital discharge, bleeding following intercourse, rashes or sores in or around anal and genital areas, sudden fever and flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph glands.

You can prevent yourself from getting affected by STDs if only you make STD testing a regular part of your annual health checkup. If you are infected, it could be diagnosed early and receive treatment immediately. If diagnosed and treated at the right time, it is possible to prevent further progression of an STD and its transmission to another individual.

Salud Integral en la Montana Incorporated Centro de Salud Integral en Orocovis

Need to register as a patient. HIV-testing with physician orders only, except on special clinic days.

Carretera 155 Sector el Desvio, Orocovis, Puerto Rico 00720

13 mile

Tel: (787) 867-6010


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Centro Ararat

23 Calle De Hostos, Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico 00795

13.04 mile

Tel: (787) 260-9446

Tel: (787) 260-2943


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Departamento de Salud Gobierno de Puerto Rico Centro de Enfermedades de Transmision Sexual ETS

Testing open to general public. Las pruebas del VIH y ETS son para todos.

917 Ave Tito Castro, Antiguo Hospital de Distrito Barrio Machuelo Carretera 14, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00731

13.13 mile

Tel: (787) 259-4046


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing

Learn More

Morovis Community Health Center Incorporated

HPV vaccine for clients 18 years and younger. Please call for availability of the HIV/STD test.

2 Calle Patron, Morovis, Puerto Rico 00687

14.07 mile

Tel: (787) 862-3000

Tel: (787) 862-2731


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • Primary Care

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Med Centro Ponce

1034 Ave Hostos, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00716

15.27 mile

Tel: (787) 843-9393


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment
  • • Primary Care

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • No Fee

Learn More

Centro Ararat

HIV testing open to the general public. La prueba del VIH se ofrece a todo publico.

8169 Calle Corcordia, Condominio San Vicente Ste 412, Ponce, Puerto Rico 00717

15.27 mile

Tel: (787) 284-5884

Tel: (787) 284-5874


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Salud Integral en la Montana Incorporated Barranquitas Community Health Center

Need to register as a patient.

53 Calle Barcelo, Barranquitas, Puerto Rico 00794

18.42 mile

Tel: (787) 857-2688

Tel: (787) 857-1730


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Centro Ararat

60 Calle Domingo Rubio, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00612

18.45 mile

Tel: (787) 680-0236


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Hepatitis A Testing
  • • Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Hepatitis B Testing
  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Rapid HIV Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Hepatitis C Treatment
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • PrEP Navigation
  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Insurance Accepted
  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • PrEP for uninsured

Learn More

Centro de Salud de Lares Incorporated

For info on free HIV testing please contact the Ryan White Program or Case Management at the Centro de Salud de Lares.

Carretera 111 Km 1.9, Lares, Puerto Rico 00669

19.77 mile

Tel: (787) 897-2727


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

Salud Integral en la Montana Incorporated Centro de Salud Integral en Corozal

Need to register as a patient. HIV-testing with physician orders only, except on special clinic days.

Carretera 891 Km 15.1, Barrio Pueblo, Corozal, Puerto Rico 00783

20.01 mile

Tel: (787) 859-2560

Tel: (787) 859-5390


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Salud Integral en la Montana Incorporated Centro de Salud Integral en Naranjito

Need to register as a patient. HIV-testing with physician orders only, except on special clinic days.

Carretera 164 Sector el Desvio, Naranjito, Puerto Rico 00719

23.31 mile

Tel: (787) 869-1290

Tel: (787) 869-1800


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • HIV/AIDS Medical Treatment
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Corporacion de Servicios Medicos Primarios y Prevencion de Hatillo Clinica Hatillo

116 Avenida Dr Susoni, Hatillo, Puerto Rico 00659

23.94 mile

Tel: (787) 898-4190

Tel: (787) 262-3985


Appointment Required: No


Tests Offered

  • • Gonorrhea Testing
  • • Syphilis Testing
  • • Herpes Testing
  • • Chlamydia Testing
  • • Conventional HIV Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Condom Distribution

Support Services

  • • Drug Purchasing Assistance, including AIDS Drug Purchasing Assistance (ADAP)
  • • Ryan White Services

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale
  • • Free HIV Testing

Learn More

Do I have an STD?

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.

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Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in Puerto Rico

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 Puerto Rico. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.

Private testing (Walk-in clinic)

This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.

Doctor's office

Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.

At-home STD testing

If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.

Community health centers and community clinics

One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.

Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.

Are STD tests expensive in Puerto Rico?

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.

How long does it usually take for results to come back for an STD test in Puerto Rico?

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.

For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.

Test Advisor

Types of STD tests

Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.

Puerto Rico STD Data

STD data & statistics in Puerto Rico


Chlamydia is the most frequently reported STD in PR, and gonorrhea is the second most commonly reported notifiable disease in this region, according to the statistics shared by the PR STD Surveillance Office and the US Census Bureau. From 1991 to 2004, the reported chlamydia infection rates increased from over 2 to more than 92 cases/100,000 people. In 2004, gonorrhea and chlamydia infection rates in Fajardo and Metro health regions were the highest amongst all health regions in the territory.

According to the PR STD Surveillance Office, between 1991 and 2004, the chlamydia rate increased by a staggering 4,376%, and gonorrhea cases dropped by over 56% in PR. The decrease in gonorrhea rates indicates changes in screening practices, reporting practices, and diagnostic tests with diverse sensitivities. This could be because of an increase in the number of people getting screened for STDs after expanding testing facilities and clinics across the region.

As per social and epidemiological statistics, the high prevalence of HIV and other STDs in Puerto Rico is more concentrated among the underserved and vulnerable populace. Hence a larger disparity is created between these populations. High-risk sexual practices in these vulnerable groups increase the rate of disease transmission. Moreover, the lack of screening and access to better health care services.

In Puerto Rico, syphilis rates among men and women were almost the same in 2001, but by 2008, the rate among males was six times higher. This disparity could be due to the growing incidence rate of syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Testing for HIV is Vital

Since the last few decades, HIV has become a cause of concern for health authorities worldwide. HIV first found its way to the united states in the 1980s and has claimed the lives of more than 700,00 people in the United States alone. According to data recorded in 2020, there are currently around 37.7 million people living with the virus worldwide. The same data indicates that 680,000 people have died of HIV globally in 2020 alone.

Considering the rising numbers of HIV, Puerto Rico stands no different. According to a data source, HIV/AIDS has been a leading cause of death in residents of this island. According to the epidemiological report by the Centers for Diseases and Control, Puerto Rico has been ranked in the top ten U.S territories and states for having the highest numbers of people living with HIV and highest diagnosis per year.

In 2016, Puerto Rico was ranked 6th state/territory for having the highest numbers of HIV diagnoses, and in 2017 it was ranked in 10th place. Owing to the rising numbers of HIV and considering the number of mortalities, health authorities have been trying to reduce the numbers of HIV new diagnoses and improve the living conditions of people living with the virus in Puerto Rico in line with the national HIV eradication policy. It is therefore imperative that every sexually active individual should make HIV testing a mandatory part of their annual health checkup.

HIV Rates in Puerto Rico

According to the data from the epidemiological report formulated by CDC, the total number of reported cases of HIV and AIDS in Puerto Rico from 1980 to 2018 was 49,639. The total number of mortalities related to the complications from HIV/AIDS was 29,391. However, the total number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico by the end of 2018 was 18,117. The same report indicates that in 2018 alone, 440 people were newly diagnosed with the disease in Puerto Rico. The rate of new diagnosis per 100,000 populations was 15.7, which is indeed a huge number.

Considering the data from another report by AIDSVu, the total number of people living with the virus in Puerto Rico was 15,837 as calculated by the end of 2019. In 2019 the total number of newly diagnosed cases of HIV on this island was 383. The same report indicates that the rate of people living with the virus in Puerto Rico in 2019 per 100,000 population was 563.

HIV has been affecting specific populations, ethnicities and genders. Following a similar trend, the majority of the total people living with HIV are male residents of the island, most of whom are gay, bisexual, and transgender women with Hispanic backgrounds.

Age, Gender, and Ethnic Disparities

Between 2000 and 2004, chlamydia rates were the highest among females and males aged 20-24 years. Conversely, gonorrhea rates in PR decreased from 1991 and 2004, going from over 16 to 7 cases per 100,000 people, and the rates were highest among males and females aged 20-24 years.

Chlamydia positivity and co-infection rate with gonorrhea in Puerto Rican women between 2003 and 2005 was 6.6% among females aged 15-30 years and those aged 15-22 years, and the positivity rate was 8.4%. Among women aged 23-30 years, this rate was 4.5%. The positivity rate was highest in the Detention Centers with 14.9%, followed by STD clinics with 12.4%, and Prenatal Clinics reported an 11.7% positivity rate. For women with gonorrheal infection, the positivity rate for co-infection with chlamydia was highest in STD clinics, with 1.9% for women aged 15-22 years and 2% for those aged 23-30 years.

PR STD surveillance data indicate that MSM are disproportionately impacted by sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and they account for an increasing number of new STD cases. As mentioned above, syphilis rates among PR males were six times higher than females, and the rate has increased substantially since 2001. This increase in the male/female incidence ratio is attributed to a sharp incline in syphilis among MSM.

HIV-Specific Data

According to the data from the report by AIDSVu, the total number of people living with HIV in Puerto Rico by 2019 was 15,837. Of the people living with the virus, 70.7% were males, and 29.3% were females. Puerto Rico is dominated by Latino and Hispanic populations, so the numbers aren't very surprising. Of the total people living with HIV, 99.6% belonged to Hispanic backgrounds. The rate of people living with HIV on the island per 100,000 population was 563.

As per the data from the same report, 383 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Puerto Rico in 2019. 80.2% of the new diagnosis was males, while 19.8% were females. 98.7% of the new diagnosis belonged to Hispanic /Latin backgrounds, while 1 % were white residents and 0.3% of the total numbers were Black/African residents of Puerto Rico.

Many people living with the virus were aged 55 years and above (46.2%). 27.1% of the people living with HIV in Puerto Rico were between 45 to 54 years, 15.4% between 35 to 44 years, while 9.7% and 1.7% were between the ages 25 to 34 years and 13 to 24, respectively.

HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico has been identified as the fourth leading cause of death. According to the data from AIDSVu, the total number of HIV related mortalities in 2019 in Puerto Rico were 346, while the rate of mortalities due to HIV related complications per 100,000 population was calculated to be 12.

The same report has shown that in males, the most popular transmission mode of the virus was male to male sexual contact, which accounted for 42.9% of the spread. 20.5% of the cases were reported due to heterosexual contact, while 28.7% of the cases in males were reported due to contaminated syringe use for drug purposes. In females, the most common transmission mode of HIV was heterosexual contact 78.0%, while the less popular modes of transmission included injection drug use, 19.6%.

State Initiatives

PROFAMILIA has been addressing public health problems linked to the increase in unwanted pregnancies among adolescents, particularly the rise in STDs rates. In PR, sexual activity among the youth starts from 12 years of age and the incidence rate of AIDS and other notifiable STDs was higher in people aged 15-29 years. Therefore, in response, the organization developed a program to offer preventive education to PR youth, enabling young teens and adults to use peer counseling techniques to utilize peer counseling methods and teach others about responsible sexual practices and prevention of STDs and HIV/AIDS.

The AIDS Project for Adolescents is another important initiative by PROFAMILIA in which peer education is provided to young people about STDs and HIV/AIDS prevention. This is a unique way to offer education, as adults don't provide sex education from an authoritative point of view. PROFAMILIA has established eight Family Planning Information Centers across the territory to increase PR residents' accessibility to family planning.

STDcheck.com is a widespread statewide service in PR offering STD testing facilities. In PR, STDcheck.com's test results are delivered within two days, and the facility is compliant with local and federal privacy mandates, such as the HIPSS Privacy Rule. Testing is offered in a completely confidential environment, and results are not added to the individual's permanent medical record. More than four thousand confidential STD testing centers are established around PR, where STI tests are carried out with complete accuracy and authenticity, and medications are prescribed by a specialist if required.

Since the 1990s, the Pan American Health Organization's Program on AIDS/STD has carried out activities focused on vulnerable populations, particularly females. The Latin American Center for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (Centro Latinoamericano de Enfermedades de Transmisión Sexual or CLETS) is among the territory's largest publicly funded STI clinics operating in PR.

Among the primary activities of CLETS include epidemiological surveillance and direct technical cooperation. In 2007 a research collaboration was commenced between researchers at the University of Puerto Rico's School of Public Health and CLETS to assess STI/HIV screening facilities in the San Juan metropolitan area. Since then, the organization has focused its efforts on expanding PR residents' access to quality STD/HIV screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

HIV initiatives in Puerto Rico

Several organizations are working in Puerto Rico and providing essential care to HIV positive residents. Like other U.S states, several agencies are receiving funding from the Federal initiative specially designed for HIV/AIDS funding, The Ryan White Part B program and the Aids Drug and Assistance Program. The funds received from these programs are used to provide basic medical care, financial assistance to the underinsured or underinsured, case management, mental health support, and housing for all people living with HIV in Puerto Rico.

AHF Health Care Center in Puerto Rico, in line with the global goals of eradicating HIV, is actively participating in creating awareness of the virus and education regarding the prevention strategies. This is a global nonprofit organization working for 30 years in around 45 countries to improve the living conditions of people living with the disease. It provides services like free HIV testing, HIV treatment, Blood testing services, case management, and community referrals to all the residents of Puerto Rico.

Center for HIV Identification, Prevention, and Treatment Services, CHIPTS, is yet another organization actively working in Puerto Rico for research and innovation in interventions to provide better care options for HIV patients. It works in the provision and devising innovative treatment methods for communities at risk with HIV.

Expand
  • Analyte Health, 2021. Puerto Rico Std Testing. STD Exposed - Sexual Health Blog. Available at: https://www.stdcheck.com/puerto-rico-std-testing
  • CDC, 2006. Chlamydia Positivity and Co-Infection with Gonorrhea in Women of PR Infertility Prevention Project: 2003-2005. cdc.confex.com. Available at: https://cdc.confex.com/cdc/std2006/techprogram/P11303.HTM
  • CDC, 2006. Trends in Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, Puerto Rico, 2004. cdc.confex.com. Available at: https://cdc.confex.com/cdc/std2006/techprogram/P10882.HTM
  • Clatts, Michael & Rodriguez-Diaz, Carlos & García, Hermes & Vargas-Molina, Ricardo & Colon-Lopez, Vivian & Perez, Naydi & Goldsamt, Lloyd & Jovet-Toledo, Gerardo. (2011). Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinics as Strategic Venues for Targeting High Risk Populations for HIV Research and Sexual Health Interventions. Puerto Rico health sciences journal. 30. 101-8.
  • Colón-López, V. et al., 2013. 6. prevalence, genotype diversity and determinants of anal HPV infection in high-risk men attending a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Puerto Rico. Sexual Health, 10(6), p.572.
  • Forum Fam Plan West Hemisph., 1993. Pro-familia -- projects for today's social realities. Puerto Rico. PubMed.ord. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12179845/
  • Foundation for the Support of International Medical Training (FSIMT), 2020. Puerto Rico General Health Risks: Sexually Transmitted infections. IAMAT. Available at: https://www.iamat.org/country/puerto-rico/risk/sexually-transmitted-infections

STD testing FAQs

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 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.

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.

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.

Concerned about an STD?

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