In the USA, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more prevalent among people aged 15-24. Despite representing 25% of the nation, they accounted for half of the newly acquired infections in 2020, when new infections touched an all-time high rate (2.4 million). STD/HIV testing is fundamental to ensuring optimal sexual health. Untreated infections lead to male/female infertility, organ failure, and AIDS. Every sexually active individual in Richmond, Virginia, must undergo STD/HIV screening to save their partner(s) from being infected. Learn more about the STD testing mechanism in Richmond, VA.
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Richmond County has regularly reported high STD rates among 60-plus individuals. In 2020, there was a 260% rise in infection rates among older adults. Syphilis and HIV were most common among this age group. Conversely, Henrico County reported a 26% rise in gonorrhea cases between 2016-2020. Richmond overall reported a 4% drop in gonorrhea, but syphilis cases have skyrocketed since 2019. Richmond's syphilis rates rose by 7%, and in Henrico, it increased by 52%, while chlamydia rates dropped statewide. Early testing is the only way to prevent drastic health outcomes. Check out low-cost and free STD/HIV testing centers in Richmond, Virginia.
3520 Ellwood Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23221
2.03 mile
Tel: 8044609989
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Patients must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and have no form of insurance. If you have Medicaid or may be eligible for Medicaid.
108 Cowardin Ave, Richmond, Virginia 23224
1.58 mile
Tel: (804) 655-2794
Appointment Required: Yes
101 Cowardin Ave, Ste 102, Richmond, Virginia 23224
1.61 mile
Tel: (804) 780-0840
Appointment Required: Yes
180 Belt Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23224
1.66 mile
Tel: (804) 292-3011
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.
3514 W Cary St, Richmond, Virginia 23221
1.93 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 Richmond, Virginia. 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 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.
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.
Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.
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.
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!