STD Testing in Cambridge, MA

Many people are infected with STDs and do not even know it, which is one of the reasons why they spread so easily. Oftentimes, there are no symptoms at first. The best way to protect your health as well as your partners’ is with regular STD screenings.

Though overall Massachusetts has a lower STD infection rate than the national average, some jumps in cases in the area are concerning. For example, reported cases of chlamydia in Cambridge increased 20% from 2014 to 2018, while gonorrhea saw a 126% increase during the same time period in Middlesex Country where Cambridge is located.

Cambridge has numerous locations for affordable and confidential testing, so make an appointment today. One such location is The Cambridge Health Alliance health system offers sexual and reproductive health services including testing for HIV and STDs, and offers a sliding fee schedule for those without insurance.

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.

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:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Cambridge, MA?

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 Cambridge, MA?

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 Cambridge, MA?

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.

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:

The Cambridge Health Alliance health system offers sexual and reproductive health services at several locations throughout the region, including primary care clinics, women’s health clinics, and school-based centers. Services provided include education, counseling, and testing for HIV and STDs. Most types of public and private health insurance plans are accepted, and a sliding fee schedule is available if you don’t have insurance. Appointments are required and you can make one by calling the main phone number.

1493 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02139, Multiple Cambridge locations 617-665-1606
Website

Several CVS locations in the Cambridge area are MinuteClinic sites, which are affordable alternatives to urgent care. At these clinics, visitors can receive STD testing for infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Tests are conducted through urine and blood tests and then sent to an outside lab for results. Prescriptions for medications are provided for those who test positive. Treatment is also available for those whose partner tested positive for an STD. Appointments are available on a walk-in basis or may be scheduled online.

36 White Street Cambridge, MA 02140, Multiple Cambridge locations 866-389-2727
Website

MAPS provides an array of services for the Brazilian, Cabo Verdean, Portuguese, and other Portuguese-speaking communities in the Cambridge region, including free, confidential STD testing for HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and hepatitis C. It also offers personalized risk-reduction counseling, information and education about PrEP, and referrals to local resources for those living with HIV. Testing is provided by appointment and on a walk-in basis. The organization is also recently begun offering COVID-19 vaccines. While services are focused on the Portuguese-speaking community to remove barriers to health care, the clinic serves everyone who needs STD services.

1046 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA 02139, 617-864-7600
Website

Greater Boston Health Center is the closest Planned Parenthood clinic and is situated just outside of Cambridge. At this clinic, you can receive a full array of sexual and reproductive health services, including testing for STDs such as herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and hepatitis. Treatment and prevention services are also available. Testing is conducted through urine or blood samples or mouth swabs, and many STD tests require an exam. Appointments are required for service and can be booked over the phone or online. The clinic accepts most health insurance plans and offers discounted services for qualifying self-paying clients.

1055 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215, 800-258-4448
Website

ABCD Family Planning is a nonprofit organization that operates clinics throughout the greater Boston area. It offers STD counseling, testing, and treatment. The clinic can help you sign up for health insurance and provides referrals to other types of assistance. You may be eligible for free services if you are an adolescent, if you need confidential services, or if you meet income guidelines. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the nearest neighborhood clinic.

1 Boston Medical Center Place Boston, MA 02118, 617-414-4086
Website

Fenway Health operates several HIV/STI public health clinics that provide comprehensive testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis C. Appointments are available by request or on a walk-in basis. To preregister for an appointment, you should call 617-267-0159. Services are available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Free care and discounted services may be provided to clients depending on income, family size, and medical expenses.

1340 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215, 617-927-6000
Website

• 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