Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)—or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)—are no joke. However, STD testing and treatment doesn't have to be complicated. We want to make the process of finding a clinic that has the STD tests you need as convenient for you as possible. Information like contact numbers, business hours, and more is available for many local facilities. The power to choose a clinic that's right for you has never been easier!
Unfortunately, many people don't notice symptoms of these two incredibly common infections. An STD test is the only way to know for sure know the true state of your sexual health.
What Is the Difference Between an STI and STD?
STI means sexually transmitted infection. STD means sexually transmitted disease. They both refer to infections that you can contract from activities like sex.
Who Is at Risk?
Certain demographics are considered to be at higher risk of contracting some infections. That being said, ANYONE who engages in vaginal, anal, and/or oral sex—especially if unprotected—can contract an STD, regardless of sexual orientation, gender, or race.
What Are Common STD Symptoms?
Signs of an infection will vary by individual as well as by the specific STD(s) the person has. However, it is incredibly common for people to notice no symptoms at all. This is why checking for symptoms alone is not an accurate indicator of health.
Tests & Pricing: How Much Is STD Testing?
It depends on the tests you take and whether you decide to bundle them. Some tests will be cheaper than others. For example, a hepatitis A test, hepatitis B test, and hepatitis C test here will each only cost you less than $25. Specialized tests will usually cost more than standard options. For instance, an HIV early detection test will usually cost more than a regular HIV test, but can give you accurate results about your HIV status far sooner than a standard testing method.
Bundling is a great idea not only to save money, but also to give you peace of mind. If you’re already getting tested for one infection, getting tested for other common STDs can help give you a more comprehensive view of your sexual health. Bundling a chlamydia test with a gonorrhea test is common and often results in serious savings. Even more options are available, though. Here you can get HIV type 1, HIV type 2, herpes 1, herpes 2, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C testing all for a great price.
Of course, if you visit a clinic and receive other services, your bills might be higher. Whether or not your insurance covers certain tests, services, and/or doctor visits can also impact how much you will pay out of pocket for testing.
Because prices can vary wildly, you can contact the place you plan to test at ahead of time to get an estimate for your costs.
How Long Does STD Testing Take?
The actual process for getting tested can be simple and quick. Depending on the test (or tests) you take, you can be done providing certain samples for a lab test—like urine—in minutes. You might even be able to complete some tests and get results right in a health center office. Rapid HIV testing, for example, can take less than 20 minutes!
Providing samples for other types of tests might take slightly longer. A syphilis test, for example, most commonly involves drawing blood at a health center. Ultimately, how long this process takes depends on the infections you test for and your testing methods.
How Long Will my STD Test Results Take?
You can get fast results as quickly as in 1-2 days. Just know that testing right before a weekend or holiday can make the wait longer.
What Happens If I Test Positive?
If you test positively for a sexually transmitted disease, you should receive further instructions on what to do next when you receive your diagnosis. This will involve speaking to a licensed medical professional about treatment and also reaching out to any and all sexual partners you may have exposed as well.
I Want Lots of Medical Information. Where Can I Get It?
You can get information on STDs, care, treatment, counseling, and more from your doctor, the Milwaukee Health Department website and state public health department, or the CDC, among other places.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Last reviewed 19 November 2018). HIV/AIDS: Basic Statistics. Retrieved 9 April 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/statistics.html
[2] CDC. (Last reviewed 27 November 2018). HIV/AIDS: HIV in the United States by Region. Retrieved 9 April 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/statistics/overview/geographicdistribution.html
[3] AIDSVu.org. (n.d.). Local Data: Milwaukee. Retrieved 9 April 2019, from https://aidsvu.org/state/wisconsin/milwaukee/
[4] CDC. (2017). 2017 STD Surveillance Report. Retrieved 9 April 2019, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats17/SRtables.pdf
This site is not to act as professional medical advice or diagnose any condition. Specific comments, questions, or concerns should be directed toward a licensed health-care professional.
