STD Testing in New Jersey

Getting sexually transmitted disease (STD) tests in New Jersey can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially those with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are a national concern, but overall, New Jersey has a lower-than-average case rate compared to other states, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It ranks 43rd for chlamydia, 41st for gonorrhea, 29th for primary and secondary syphilis, and 28th for congenital syphilis.

Many STDs are curable. For those that aren’t, treatments are usually available to help manage symptoms and prevent you from passing them on to others. If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the only way to know if you have an STD and get the treatment you need to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous New Jersey STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Some of the state’s county public health departments offer free or affordable testing,  a full suite of sexual health services, and educational programs.

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New Jersey STD Testing Directory

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

STD Trends in New Jersey

New Jersey’s reported STDs are generally below average, except for syphilis, which is above average. Some underlying causes of increased STDs in New Jersey relate to a complex network of social factors, including economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources.

Startling trends seen in New Jersey include:

Testing Graph New Jersey

Source: CDC 2020 STD Surveillance Report

STD Screening Recommendations and Risk Factors

If you have sex, you are at risk for getting an STD. According to the CDC, Risk factors for STDs include:

  • Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Anonymous sex partners
  • Sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Injection of drugs or sharing needles

Should you get tested for STDs? And how often? Talk to your doctor to be sure, but generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in New Jersey:

New Jersey Community STD Testing Centers

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in New Jersey

Which STD has the highest number of cases in New Jersey?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in New Jersey at a rate of 356.3 cases per 100,000 people. But New Jersey is below average compared to the national rate for chlamydia and other STDs. Its highest ranking overall is 28th for congenital syphilis.

Is STD testing free in New Jersey?

There are free STD clinics in New Jersey, including at a few county health departments.

How much does STD testing cost in New Jersey?

The cost of an STD test varies depending on where you go and the type of test you need. Some community or nonprofit clinics provide free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At-home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

What is included in a full STD panel?

When getting a full STD panel, expect to test for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on the clinic you visit, but most public and private STD clinics accept insurance. Contact the clinic before your visit to ask about insurance policies.

How long does it take to get STD results?

Some clinics offer rapid results, such as HIV test results within 30 minutes. Still, other tests may take up to a week to return results, particularly bacterial testing, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in New Jersey

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. You’ll find numerous authoritative resources at the state and national level that provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.

Sources

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