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.
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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.
Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
