Free STD Testing in Utah

The United States is tackling a major and unprecedented sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) epidemic. The current STD rates are startling. In Utah state, the STD rates are at an all-time high, mirroring the national trend.

Board Approved

Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial board

Discover Nearby Options

STD testing centers in Utah

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a continuing and troubling trend of persistently rising STD rates in the past five years. This is specifically noted in the most common STDs, namely syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Since 2013, the CDC has observed a steady rise in the cases of these STDs, including all stages of syphilis.

The three reportable STDs can cause significant harm to those that get infected. Lifelong health issues, pain, and infertility are common complications that emerge from untreated STDs. In some cases, especially with syphilis, the health consequences are far more severe as it may lead to a permanent disability or death. With such an enormous increase in the number of cases, the number of adverse health outcomes also increases. Given Utah's under-resourced public health system, it is a great struggle to keep up with the rapidly rising number of STDs cases.

STDs, inherently, are social diseases and linked intrinsically to social determinants of health. Certain groups of population in Utah, such as the poor, minorities, and men who have sex with men (MSM), bear a disproportionate burden of STD prevalence. These groups are generally less able to receive timely and appropriate care. These populations are also subject to risky lifestyles and behaviors that eventually prove more conducive to STD transmission than other people. That's why every sexually active individual need to get tested for STDs regularly, as you may never know if and from where you've contracted the disease.

Generally, STDs share similar transmission pathways, especially the three reportable STDs mentioned above, which are comorbid with other STDs and HIV. The increased threat of coinfection makes the risk even more severe and further adds to the struggles the public health department faces in high-burden communities.

The fact that STDs are preventable and treatable if diagnosed early makes it all the more important for you to get tested. Unfortunately, factors like stigma, poverty, discrimination, unemployment, lack of access to care, inadequate resources, and inequity have proven to be critical barriers in curbing STDs rates. Luckily, there has been a substantial improvement in care provision and access to testing and treatment facilities in Utah state. You can easily find an STD testing center or clinic nearby, which usually offers a free-testing facility.

Remember that all STDs may not be life-threatening, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, but these can lead to serious health issues like ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and pelvic pain. Those infected with human papillomavirus are at an increased risk of developing genital, cervical, and oral cancers. To prevent your health from permanent deterioration, it is better to get tested for STDs annually.

Labcorp

No Appointment Required

1900 N. State St. Lower Level, Provo, Utah 84604

71.88 mile

Tel: 8013772263


Tests Offered

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

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Labcorp

No Appointment Required

12176 S 1000 E Suite 6, Draper, Utah 84020

92.92 mile

Tel: 8014959514


Tests Offered

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

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Quest Diagnostics

No Appointment Required

424 E 12300 S, Draper, Utah 84020

93.1 mile

Tel: 8015716161


Tests Offered

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

See Tests & Prices

Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.

Southeast Utah Health Department Castle Dale Office

25 W Main St, Castle Dale, Utah 84513

8.55 mile

Tel: (435) 381-2252


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine

Prevention Services Offered

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

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Southeast Utah Health Department Price Office

28 South 100 East, Price, Utah 84501

24.5 mile

Tel: (435) 637-3671


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine

Prevention Services Offered

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

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Central Utah Public Health Department Mount Pleasant Office

20 South 100 West, Ste 30, Mount Pleasant, Utah 84647

24.68 mile

Tel: (435) 462-2449


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

  • • TB Testing
  • • 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

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Intermountain Healthcare Ephraim Clinic

525 N Main St, Ephraim, Utah 84627

26.61 mile

Tel: (435) 283-4076

Tel: (435) 283-4078


Appointment Required: Yes


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
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

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

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Sliding Scale

Learn More

Central Utah Public Health Department Manti Office

40 W 200 N, Manti, Utah 84642

29.32 mile

Tel: (435) 835-2231


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • Partner Notification
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Green River Medical Center

Please make an appointment for testing services.

585 W Main St, Green River, Utah 84525

54.4 mile

Tel: (435) 564-3434


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Canyon View Medical Group Springville Clinic

5 E 400 N, Springville, Utah 84663

64.94 mile

Tel: (801) 489-8464


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • Family Planning
  • • Medication Adherence Education and Counseling
  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis B Treatment
  • • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • Primary Care

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Central Utah Public Health Department Sevier County Office

70 Westview Dr, Richfield, Utah 84701

65.02 mile

Tel: (435) 896-5451

Tel: (435) 896-4353


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

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

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale

Learn More

FourPoints Health Richfield Health Center

The Health Center offers specialized services to meet the needs of the Cedar, Indian Peaks, Kanosh, Koosharem, and Shivwits Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe and migrant and seasonal agricultural workers and their families.

440 S Main St, Richfield, Utah 84701

65.74 mile

Tel: (435) 893-6800

Tel: (435) 287-2037


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

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

Prevention Services Offered

  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Medicare Accepted
  • • Insurance Accepted

Learn More

Utah County Health Department Provo Office

Rapid HIV testing when available.

151 S University Ave, Provo, Utah 84601

69.71 mile

Tel: (801) 851-7000

Tel: (801) 851-7057

Tel: (801) 851-7009


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • Adult Hepatitis B Vaccine
  • • Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • • Human Papillomavirus Vaccine
  • • STD Treatment
  • • TB Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

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

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

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

Learn More

Project Reality Provo Clinic

151 S University Ave, Provo, Utah 84601

69.71 mile

Tel: (801) 851-7118

Tel: (801) 851-7137


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

  • • Substance Abuse Treatment

Prevention Services Offered

  • • TB Prevention/Education
  • • STD Prevention/Education
  • • HIV/AIDS Prevention/Education
  • • HIV Test Counseling
  • • Hepatitis Prevention/Education
  • • Harm Reduction

Support Services

  • • Case Management

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Free HIV Testing
  • • Free STD Testing
  • • No Fee
  • • Free Hepatitis C Testing
  • • Free TB Testing

Learn More

Central Utah Public Health Department Wayne County Office

18 S Main, Loa, Utah 84747

70.06 mile

Tel: (435) 836-1317


Appointment Required: Yes


Tests Offered

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

Care Services Offered

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

Prevention Services Offered

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

Fees & Payment Information

  • • Fee
  • • Medicaid Accepted
  • • Sliding Scale

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.

Start Symptom Checker

Which Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?

STD testing options in Utah

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 Utah. 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 Utah?

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 Utah?

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.

Utah STD Data

STD data & statistics in Utah


According to the state health department, in Utah, all four STDs that the depart tracts, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, are on the rise. However, it is gonorrhea that is going viral across the state. For instance, in 2011, Salt Lake County reported 200 gonorrhea cases annually, which increased to 669 in 2013 and dramatically rose to 998 in 2014. In 2016, the county reportedly recorded 1,024 gonorrhea cases, which was 5 times higher than the levels reported in 2010-11.

According to the CDC, in 2013, Utah ranked 38th among the 50 states for syphilis rates, 44th in gonorrhea rates, and 48th in the number of chlamydia cases. In Salt Lake County, around 4,500 chlamydia cases are reported annually, making it the state's most commonly and frequently reported STD. However, the state's gonorrhea rates are rising faster and may overtake the state's and national average in the near future.

Other STDs are also rising steadily. In Davis County, there was a 17% increase in Chlamydia cases, a 122% increase in gonorrhea cases, and a 91% rise in cases of syphilis during 2016-2017. A similar trend was noticed in Weber and Morgan counties, where chlamydia rates were higher than anywhere else in the state, with around 318 cases/100,000 people reported in these counties in 2017 against 251 cases/100,000 people across the state. Utah County isn't too far behind, as, in 2018, there were more cases reported of chlamydia than influenza.

Statewide, the number of STDs cases has continued to rise since 2011. In 2015, there were over 1,000 chlamydia cases, which increased to 1,058 in 2016, 1,190 in 2017, and reached 1,257 in 2018. Furthermore, there were 139 gonorrhea cases reported in 2015, 167 cases in 2016, 200 cases in 2017, and 225 cases in 2018. Regarding syphilis, the state reported 13 cases in 2015, 21 cases in 2016, 21 cases in 2017, and 36 cases in 2018.

HIV Statistics in Utah

According to the US Census Bureau, the total estimated population of Utah by the year 2018 was 3.2 million. Considering the statistics of the CDC, Utah has comparatively lower numbers of HIV. The state has been ranked 36th out of the 50 states of the US. As recorded in the year 2018, the total population of people living with HIV was 2,929. The rate of people living with HIV per 100,000 during the year 2018 was 118. During the year 2015, a total of 116 adults were newly diagnosed with HIV. The number slightly increased to 119 newly diagnosed cases in the year 2018.

White Americans are present in a majority in Utah, with a total of 90.6%. Asians, Blacks, and individuals from other regions of the country are present in minorities. Of the total numbers of People living with HIV, 61.0% were white Americans, followed by 23.2% Hispanic, and 9.45% were African Americans. Moreover, Salt Lake City, the capital and the most populated Utah cities were more affected by the HIV epidemic. According to the Utah Department of Health , Bureau of Epidemiology the rate of HIV cases Salt Lake County has been reported at 181.2 cases per 100,000 population. In Summit, Utah the rate of HIV per 100,000 population was reported to be at 66.8%, for southwest 61.6% while for the southwest the rate of HIV was reordered at 60.1%.

State Initiatives to Reduce STDs

In Utah, public health services are administered locally and offered directly through public health clinics or via contract-based relationships with providers. This includes community-based clinics like FQHCs, Title X Family Planning clinics, and Planned Parenthood clinics.

CDC funds the Utah State Health Department to channel resources for reducing STDs incidences using science-based prevention and control methods. Utah's STD prevention program focuses on devising high-impact, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable STD control services. Utah State is part of a network of STD programs that gather additional information from across the state to identify and report STD trends quickly.

Every county and district in Utah has a dedicated STD control program. For instance, the Salt Lake County Health Department STD Clinic and Prevention Program is responsible for offering effective STD prevention education and low-cost testing and treatment via utilizing the latest technology. Similarly, Utah County and Davis County have their dedicated Sexually Transmitted Diseases Programs that focus on disease surveillance and preventing infection transmission while ensuring extensive availability of testing facilities.

Initiatives to Prevent HIV in Utah

The University of Utah Infectious Diseases Clinic has been working in the state as a primary caregiver to HIV patients. The clinic is currently the largest treatment facility in the region. The University of Utah Infectious Disease Clinic's primary function is to provide the necessary medications, treatment, home healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and nutritional services to the patients. Case managers from the University of Utah Infectious Disease Clinic monitor and evaluate patients who need more intensive follow-up. Each case manager works independently with HIV patients to address their medical as well as psychological needs.

Utah AIDS Foundation is yet another organization working in Utah for the facilitation of HIV patients. The foundation provides HIV testing services and HIV treatment and medications. Financial assistance and food and meal services are made available to those who cannot afford them. Besides, the foundation also works to educate the general public about ways to avoid contracting HIV. Educational presentations are made available to schools, detention centres, business as well as various community organizations. Under the most popular program, HIV 101, the Utah AIDS foundation gives a basic understanding of how the disease spreads and how one can potentially reduce the risk of contracting it.

Another program is designed to help people living with HIV in the form of support groups where individuals can talk about their experiences. The Utah AIDS Foundation has a group of active volunteers who conduct awareness sessions and organize a support group for HIV patients and the general public. The foundation also has an active hotline where all the necessary information about the virus as well as Hepatitis C can be accessed.

CDC provides funding to the New Jersey State health department for the implementation of cost-effective and scalable programs/policies with the aim to prevent HIV incidence across NJ. The funding offers supports for evidence-based disease monitoring, staff development, service delivery, and routine program evaluation. Moreover, CDC supports five community-based organizations, a perinatal HIV prevention project, and one capacity building assistance provider. The agency also provides funding to NJ State Education Department to assess risky behaviors that may contribute to the leading causes of disability and death among young adults.

Age, Gender, and Ethnic Disparities

STDs, although prevail more in people having a history of incarceration and MSM, Utah's gonorrhea outbreak is increasing faster in the general public. A majority of the infections are reported among 15 to 34-year-old white males and females. That's surprising because, historically, STDs have been disproportionately prevalent in Hispanic and Black communities. It is a fact that Utah, historically, has had low STD rates in comparison to other states, but there has been a sudden upsurge in the recent past.

Around 60% of reported STD cases were diagnosed in people aged 15 and 24 years of age. In 2019, the overall chlamydia infection rate in Utah state was 345.4 cases/100,000 residents. There was a 37% decrease in teen births between 2013 and 2018, from 20 to 13 births/1,000 females aged 15 to 19, respectively.

In 2019, gonorrhea rates were higher among males aged 25-29, with 352.2 cases/100,000 people, and for the 30-34 age group, the number of cases was 297/100,000 people. Among women, the highest number of gonorrhea cases was reported in 20 to 24-year-olds with 227.4 cases/100,000 females. Interestingly, there were zero cases of congenital syphilis in Utah from 2011 to 2015.

As far as race and ethnic disparities are concerned, African-Americans are the most impacted population in Utah. In 2019, blacks reportedly accounted for 1,419 chlamydia cases, followed by Latinos/Hispanics with 624.4 cases, and 230.8 cases in whites, per 100,000 people. A similar trend was observed in the number of gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people, with blacks reporting 507 of total diagnoses, Latinos/Hispanics reporting 152.6 cases, and whites reporting 65.7 cases of gonorrhea. Primary and secondary syphilis rates in 2019 revealed that blacks reported 21 cases, Hispanics/Latinos were the second most affected group with 6.7 cases, and whites reported 3.7 cases per 100/000 people.

HIV-Specific Data

The total population of Utah as per the Census data, 2018 was calculated at 3.2 Million. The majority of this population was that of Whites, who made up 90.6% of that population, followed by Asians, 2%, and African Americans that made up 1.6% of the total population. Pacific islanders, Native Indian Americans, as well as Alaskan Americans were present in minorities. According to the AIDSvu survey, in 2018, 2,929 people living in Utah had HIV. Of the mentioned numbers, 119 alone were newly diagnosed during the year 2018.

The majority of people living with HIV were males, 84.8 %, while females living with the virus made up 15.2%. Whites were most affected with HIV, 61.0%, followed by Hispanic 23.2 and Black 9.4%. Most of the people living with HIV were of the age group 45+ (59.8%). 27.6% of individuals belonged to the age group 35 to 44 years, while 22% of the total diagnosed cases were from the age group 22 to 34 years. 17% of the HIV-positive patients were young adults with ages 13 to 21 years.

Black Americans remain the bigger health disparity group considering HIV. The rate of black males living with HIV was 5.2 times that of white males, while Black females living with HIV was 60.7 times that of white females. The number of deaths recorded in 2018 as a result of HIV was 45. The rate of death of people with HIV per 100,000 was 2. The mortality rate was higher in males (93.3%) than their female counterparts (6.7%). The majority of the cases reported were due to the male to male sexual contact (73%). Injection and drug use also contributed significantly to the spread of the virus (15.9%).

Sexual Education in Utah

Utah state code supports an abstinence-based sexual education program. The program promotes celibacy as the best and most effective way to prevent disease and pregnancy. Teachers aren't allowed to encourage or promote premarital or extramarital sexual activity. The state has developed new sex education standards. Still, there haven't been many changes in the curriculum except that it offers information on the different contraception methods, such as birth control pills. The new standard will include lessons for students from kindergarten through second grade. Parents will be allowed to opt-in their kids for the middle and high-school sex education units. The curriculum will also include a discussion on pornography addiction.

Expand
  • America's Health Rankings. 2020. Explore Chlamydia In Utah | 2020 Annual Report. [online] Available at: https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/annual/measure/chlamydia/state/UT
  • Cdc.gov. 2016. Utah – State Health Profile. [online] Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/stateprofiles/pdf/Utah_profile.pdf
  • Chen, D., 2016. Alarming Rise In Utah STD Rates Has Health Officials Concerned. [online] Deseret News. Available at: https://www.deseret.com/2016/6/19/20590556/alarming-rise-in-utah-std-rates-has-health-officials-concerned
  • Ibis.health.utah.gov. 2020. IBIS-PH - Complete Health Indicator Report - Gonorrhea Cases. [online] Available at: https://ibis.health.utah.gov/ibisph-view/indicator/complete_profile/GonCas.html
  • Lampros, J., 2013. STD Cases Continue To Rise In Utah. [online] Standard-Examiner.net. Available at: https://www.standard.net/news/local/std-cases-continue-to-rise-in-utah/article_83f61c3b-e265-575e-a2b0-ca28cea6fdd9.html
  • NATIONAL ACADEMY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, 2019. The STD Epidemic In America: The Frontline Struggle. [online] Ncsddc.org. Available at: https://www.ncsddc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/NCSD-Phase-II-Final-Report.pdf
  • Slco.org. 2021. Information & Prevention. [online] Available at: https://slco.org/health/std-clinic/information-prevention/
  • Tanner, C., 2019. The Sex Ed Bill Clarifying What Utah Teachers Can Say About Condoms Passed In The House — With Surprising Support. [online] The Salt Lake Tribune. Available at: https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2019/02/26/sex-ed-bill-clarifying/
  • Wellness.utah.edu. 2021. STI Testing | Center For Student Wellness. [online] Available at: https://wellness.utah.edu/sti-testing/

STD testing FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concerned about an STD?

Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!