If you've ever been worried about getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), you're not alone. There are many reasons why people might want to get tested—from the fear of contracting an STD to having an open conversation with their partner about their sexual health. It's also common for people to want reassurance that they don't have any STDs before starting a new relationship or engaging in sexual activity with another person.

While it's understandable that many people would be nervous about getting tested, understanding how much it costs and where you can go is important if you do decide to take the next step towards protecting yourself against STDs.

1. How much does an STD test cost at Planned Parenthood?

Planned Parenthood offers STD testing for free (or at a reduced price), but that doesn’t mean every patient pays the same amount. The cost of getting tested at Planned Parenthood depends on your income, location, age, what tests you need, and whether or not you use health insurance. STD testing can cost anywhere from $0-250 depending on which STDs you’re getting tested for, and whether or not you have symptoms or need an exam.

2. How much does STD testing cost at Planned Parenthood without insurance?

If you don't have insurance or if your plan doesn't cover STD testing, Planned Parenthood may be able to help. They offer reduced or no-cost STD testing in certain areas and also provide assistance with paying for treatment. If you qualify for assistance through Planned Parenthood, they can answer questions about their programs and help determine if you can receive discounted services from them.

3. Do primary care physicians do STD testing?

Your primary care physician (doctor who specializes in general, family, and internal medicine)  may not offer STD testing, but they can refer you to a specialist who will.

If you're looking for specific information on whether or not your primary care doctor does STD testing, feel free to contact them directly before visiting them in person by calling their office number.

4. Does CVS MinuteClinic do STD testing?

While services vary by location, MinuteClinics will often offer STD testing for free or at a reduced

cost when they're not covered by your insurance plan. This means that any out-of-pocket costs are minimal (if there are any), making it easier for you to take care of yourself without having to worry about how much the tests cost or how much money is going into getting tested for an STD in general.

5. Does urgent care do STD testing?

Not all urgent care facilities do STD testing. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of an STD and want to get tested, it’s best to visit an urgent care center that offers this service. A facility like this can help evaluate and treat your symptoms, as well as run a full panel of tests on your blood, urine or tissue samples. The cost of these tests will vary depending on where you live, but most are available for less than $100 at most urgent care centers.

6. Does CVS do STD testing?

If you visit a MinuteClinic at CVS, the staff can test patients for STDs. You may have to wait longer than at a doctor's office or a Planned Parenthood clinic, but it's still worth it if you're in a rush to get tested.

Services can vary by location, MinuteClinics will often offer STD testing for free or at a reduced

cost when they're not covered by your insurance plan

4 Most Asked Questions About STD/STI Testing

1. How to ask for an STD test?

If you're looking to get tested for STDs, it's important that you know how to ask your doctor or health care provider about the tests available. The best way to do this is by being direct and straightforward. If you have concerns about a potential infection, ask directly about what tests are available for those specific infections. You may feel embarrassed or shy about asking questions relating to sexual health, but remember, talking openly can help prevent spread of infection in the long run.

2. What is included in a full STD panel?

A full STD panel is a test that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. It's often the first test people are recommended to have when they suspect they may have contracted an STD.

3. How long does an STD test take to come back?

The time it takes for STD test results to come back from the lab depends on the type of test and lab that is used.On average it may take 3-7 days, but can be longer.

An STI panel, or comprehensive STD testing, from a large national chain may take only 1 day if you have an appointment scheduled at your local lab.

If you use a local clinic or doctor’s office for testing, it might be up to 7 days before you get your results. The reason for the delay is that most clinics do not offer rapid tests like those at retail clinics and require more extensive testing done in their own labs.

4. How long does it take to get STD results from a doctor?

If you are seeing a private doctor, it can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks for your std test results to come back from the lab. If you believe you have an STD and need treatment right away, this might be too long of a wait before you can start receiving treatment.

In most cases, an urgent care clinic or an STI clinic can get your test done faster than private doctors would normally be able to do so.

Get In Control

Be sure to download The Complete Guide to STIs by a Modern OBGYN for an in-depth breakdown of various sexually transmitted infections. We created this straightforward guide to help you understand the symptoms, risks, and treatments for common STIs.

The POV offers a free provider search tool to make your search for a new doctor simple, regardless of your health insurance situation. Just select the requirements you’re looking for including, location, care needs, payment options, and preferred method for care. We’ll match your requirements with providers in order of overall rating and include a brief description so you can make the best informed decision.  

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