STD Testing in Birmingham, AL
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You have options for getting STD tests in Birmingham, AL. Learn about convenient local testing for common STDs.
I. STD Testing in Birmingham, AL
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| Local STD labs and clinics | Community STD testing centers | Ways to get tested |
Your sexual health and relationships are personal, and if you haven’t been tested for STDs recently, now is the time, whether or not you are experiencing symptoms. There are confidential resources near you in Birmingham.
According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Alabama has much higher rates of STDs than other states in the country. It ranks No. 8 for chlamydia, No. 3 for gonorrhea, No. 15 for syphilis, and 16 for congenital syphilis.
Some STD and HIV screening sites include Magic City Wellness Center, where tests are processed within two business days for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and in 20 minutes for syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV. Jefferson County Department of Health offers same-day appointments. And the Shelby County Department of Health provides testing for anyone age 12 and older.
II. Find an STD Testing Location in Birmingham, AL
At-Home STD Testing
Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.
You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.
At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.
III. STD Testing Options in Birmingham, AL
Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:
- Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
- Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
- Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.
At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.
When Should I Get Tested for STDs?
If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.
Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.
What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?
You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.
A routine STD panel may include:
A full-panel STD test adds:
How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Birmingham, AL?
The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer 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.
Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Birmingham, AL?
Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.
How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Birmingham, AL?
Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.
IV. Community STD Testing Centers in Birmingham, AL
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:
Jefferson County Department of Health
The Sexual Health Clinic operated by the Jefferson County Department of Health offers testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis C. Nurse practitioners and infectious disease doctors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham staff the clinic, which also provides pre-exposure prophylaxis services to adults age 18 and older. All services are confidential and available at a minimal cost. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday. HIV testing is also available. Same-day appointments can be arranged by calling the clinic.
1400 6th Avenue South Birmingham, Alabama 35233, 205-930-1175
Website
Shelby County Department of Health
The Shelby County Department of Health offers confidential testing, treatment, counseling, and partner referrals for most sexually transmitted diseases, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis, and HIV. These services are available to any individual age 12 and older. You can also get pregnancy testing, birth control supplies, and counseling through its family planning services. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the clinic, which operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2000 County Services Drive Pelham, Alabama 35124, 205-664-2470
Website
Magic City Wellness Center
Free, confidential HIV and STD testing, education, and counseling services are available at the Magic City Wellness Center. Testing may include a urine sample, finger prick, and vaginal/rectal swab. UAB processes the tests with results within two business days for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, and in 20 minutes for syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV. Testing is provided in the clinic by appointment with Quest Laboratories and may be billed to insurance, or you can pay out of pocket. The regular testing hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
3220 5th Avenue South, Suite 100 Birmingham, AL 35222, 205-877-8677
Website
Birmingham AIDS Outreach
Birmingham AIDS Outreach offers free, confidential HIV and STD testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis. If you have a reactive HIV test, you’ll immediately be given another oral swab test that is sent to an off-site lab for confirmatory results within seven business days. UAB processes STD tests with results in two business days. Appointments aren’t required unless you want to schedule a time to get screened outside of testing hours. You can get a take-home/drop-off box kit test for STD/STI tests, and HIV tests are done in person in the drive-thru. The drive-through hours are Monday through Thursday, noon to 5:45 p.m.
205 32nd Street South Birmingham, AL 35233, 205-322-4197
Website
Planned Parenthood Southeast Incorporated
The Birmingham Health Center, operated by Planned Parenthood Southeast Incorporated, provides STD testing, diagnosis, and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis, as well as HIV testing and diagnosis. It also offers STD prevention services, including condoms, HPV and hepatitis vaccines and education, and STD and safer sex education. Some testing and treatments may be covered by insurance. Otherwise, you’ll be asked to pay at the time of service. Financial assistance may be available. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1019 1st Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35205, 205-322-2121
Website
V. Learn From Our Sources
- CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021
- CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed September 2021
- HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed September 2021