Each year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Although some sexually transmitted diseases and sexually transmitted infections can be asymptomatic, they can be serious if left untreated. sexually active adults should consider getting regular sti tests as part of their routine health plan.
Getting tested can be confusing and sometimes expensive, especially without health insurance. In this article, I’ll go over the costs of getting proof of STIs from various providers without insurance.
I’ll outline some potential additional costs with STI testing and tell you if you can get tested at home. I’ll talk about the symptoms of some STIs, the most common infections, and when you should get tested.
cost of sti and std tests without insurance
There are a variety of ways to get STD tests without insurance, from labs to home testing.
Options vary in price depending on the source and the specific test.
Below is a breakdown of common sources for standard tests and the average cost of service.
Free and low-cost trial options are also available, depending on where you live. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a database of locations you can search by zip code on the GetTested site.
additional costs associated with standard tests
There are often unforeseen additional costs that can occur with an STD test.
These include office visit costs, lab fees, and treatments you may need after reviewing your results. these can range from $40 to $350.
can you test yourself for stds at home?
yes. There are a variety of home STD test kits available on the market.
With this type of test, the individual is responsible for collecting the sample themselves, which may be by genital swab or finger prick to obtain a blood sample, depending on the type of test.
Using a special kit, you may collect urine or swab your genitals and then send your sample(s) to a laboratory for diagnostic testing. Some common providers of home STD tests include Everlywell, MyLab Box, and LetsGetChecked.
Are they accurate?
In general, home tests are considered accurate. some home std tests say they are 92% accurate or better, which is similar to lab test results.
In populations that would not otherwise undergo any testing, do not have the option of clinical testing, or refuse clinical examination, self-testing is considered a good alternative.
Home tests are also known for generating a higher than average rate of false-positive results.
If you use a home kit and test positive for an STD (or test negative but still think you have cause for concern), call your doctor or health care provider for confirmation testing and, if necessary, to receive treatment.
It is important that you read and follow the instructions carefully to ensure that you collect the sample correctly.
STD symptoms
Depending on the type of STD, there are a variety of symptoms you may experience. They range from mild to severe.
They may also vary based on the gender of the individual patient. Remember, sometimes a person can be infected with an STD and show no symptoms.
Some symptoms of common sexually transmitted diseases include:
- painful urination
- lower abdominal pain
- vaginal discharge in women, penile discharge in men
- pain during intercourse in women
- thick, cloudy, or bloody discharge from the penis or vagina
- pain or burning sensation when urinating
- heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding between periods
- anal itching
- several warts together that take the shape of a cauliflower
- itching or discomfort in the genital area
- bleeding with intercourse
- bleeding between periods in women
- testicular pain in men
- human papilloma virus (hpv)
- chlamydia
- trichomoniasis
- gonorrhea
- genital herpes
- syphilis
- human immunodeficiency virus (hiv)
when to get tested
If you are sexually active, especially with multiple sexual partners, routine testing may be a good idea, regardless of whether you have symptoms.
according to the cdc, testing should be done annually or every 3 to 5 months for those who engage in riskier behaviors.
the most common sexually transmitted diseases
There are a variety of sexually transmitted diseases, but some of the most common include:
additional resources
If you receive positive test results, it is important to seek medical attention. certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be treated with antibiotics.
Early detection can prevent you from passing it on to others and can also prevent serious complications.
If insurance is a concern, home testing may be a helpful option, or there are a variety of local clinics that may offer services at a discounted price. trials can even be free.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a database of free and low-cost testing locations that you can search by zip code on the GetTested site.
Students attending colleges can often access affordable STD tests on their campuses.
and your local family planning center, which offers a variety of services to help you take care of your sexual health, prices for std tests are generally based on a sliding scale based on your monthly income.
