The CDC reports that gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are three of the most common, notifiable STIs in the USA. The department reported over 1.6 million chlamydia and 677,769 gonorrhea cases in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak. The situation has worsened lately, with 2.5 million new infections reported in 2021. The CDC claimed around 68 million people were living with STIs in 2018, so the disease burden could be much higher now. Learn more about why STD testing is essential in Reading, Pennsylvania.
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Pennsylvania's STD rate is considerably lower than the national average. Where the US average per 100k people for gonorrhea is 188.4 cases, Pennsylvania's rate is 125.4 cases. This doesn't mean the rates would remain low because the state has been recording a sharp incline in STD rates since 2021. Since 2017, the year-on-year increase is 4.9% in the state, whereas nationally, it is 3.5%. Allegheny County experienced a 9.9% rise in STD rates between 2017-2018, while Westmoreland County reported a 2.9% increase. STD testing is necessary to combat STDs and prevent them from spreading. Find your nearest testing clinics in Reading, Pennsylvania, here.
1110 Rockland St, Reading, Pennsylvania 19604
1.81 mile
Tel: 4843392235
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
No eligibility requirements for HIV testing or STD screening and treatment services. Services for persons living with HIV disease - Berks or Schuylkill County residency required. Free condoms available.
429 Walnut St, Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
0.14 mile
Appointment Required: No
525 Penn St, Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
0.3 mile
Tel: (610) 898-0766
Tel: (484) 855-0798
Tel: (484) 509-4249
Appointment Required: Yes
838 Penn St, Reading, Pennsylvania 19602
0.46 mile
Tel: (610) 988-4838
Proof of Positivity required for Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.
301 S 7th Ave, Ste 3170, West Reading, Pennsylvania 19611
1.18 mile
Tel: (484) 628-9386
Tel: (484) 628-9387
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 Reading, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
