Most sexually active individuals are unaware if they have contracted sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) because these are asymptomatic. STD infection spreads from person to person during intercourse, skin-to-skin contact, and touch. Common STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis don’t show any symptoms for several years. The best way to rule out the likelihood of an STD is through testing. Even HIV/AIDS can be treated well if diagnosed early. In contrast, ignoring STD testing can lead to long-term health issues. Learn more about the fastest, most affordable STD testing facilities in Tampa, Florida.
Board Approved
Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardExplore Nearby Options
According to the CDC, among all US states, Florida reported the 7th highest number of congenital syphilis in 2018, with 48 cases/100k live births. Moreover, many Tampa Bay area counties are witnessing a steady rise in primary/secondary syphilis and gonorrhea rates. The area’s largest county, Hillsborough, reported 650 infectious syphilis cases between 2016-2018. Gonorrhea also rose, with 7,115 cases in Hillsborough County in 2016 and 4,576 in Pinellas. Florida also reported the highest number of new HIV diagnoses between 2014-2018. Therefore, Tampa residents must make STD screening their priority. Check out your nearest testing facility in Tampa, Florida.
3440 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Ste. 201, Tampa, Florida 33607
2.72 mile
Tel: 8133481499
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Free Condoms available.
4620 N 22nd St, Tampa, Florida 33610
0.74 mile
Tel: (813) 397-5300
Tel: (813) 247-5591
Appointment Required: Yes
Proof of HIV status needed for case management. HIV testing open to general public.
318 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33603
1.11 mile
Tel: (813) 626-4926
Tel: (813) 513-2978
Appointment Required: Yes
Free condoms available.
8108 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, Florida 33604
1.95 mile
Tel: (813) 397-5300
Tel: (813) 712-1929
Appointment Required: Yes
1315 E 7th Ave, Ste 201, Tampa, Florida 33605
2.35 mile
Tel: (813) 232-3808
Tel: (813) 234-3075
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 Tampa, Florida. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
