STD Testing in Cleveland Heights, OH

Do you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, or are you feeling symptoms like abdominal pain, uncomfortable urination, discharge, or itching? It’s easy to write off these signs, but you shouldn’t wait to get tested for STDs. There are confidential, free, and low-cost screening resources near you in Cleveland Heights.

STDs are on the rise across the country, and Ohio has a higher-than-average instance of chlamydia, ranking No. 22 according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention STD Surveillance State Ranking report. The state is number 14 for gonorrhea, 36 for syphilis, and 32 for congenital syphilis.

Testing options include the North East Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, which also offers primary healthcare services. Preterm also offers HIV prevention and treatment, emergency contraception, abortion, and teen wellness. Cleveland Department of Public Health clinics provide free or low-cost primary medical care, including screening for STDs.

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 Cleveland Heights?

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 Cleveland Heights?

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 Cleveland Heights?

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:

North East, Ohio Neighborhood Health Services, usually abbreviated NEON, operates a chain of federally qualified health centers in and around Cleveland. These include the Collinwood Health Center, located a short bus ride from Cleveland Heights city hall. The clinic offers a full range of primary healthcare services, including STD testing. NEON uses a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. The centers also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurance plans. Walk-in appointments are available.

15322 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44110, Multiple Greater Cleveland locations 216-851-1500
Website

The Centers provides an integrated model that coordinates health and wellness services, including primary care, dental, behavioral health care, addiction services, HIV treatment, STD testing, and in-house pharmacies, along with family support programs, including early childhood development, job training, and workplace and workforce development. Five of their 12 locations are dedicated to health and wellness, with walk-in HIV and STD testing available at Uptown (University Circle) and West (Kamm’s Corners). Rapid HIV testing is available by appointment only as part of a clinic visit at the East (Downtown) location. A Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC) serves everyone who comes in, regardless of ability to pay. Flexible sliding scale fees are available for most offerings, and private insurance is also accepted.

12201 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106, Multiple Greater Cleveland locations 216-721-4010
Website

Preterm is a nonprofit clinic offering a range of sexual health services that includes STD testing, treatment, and gynecological care. Also included are HIV prevention and treatment, emergency contraception, abortion, and teen wellness. Services are available to all, regardless of gender and sexual orientation. The clinic accepts most major insurance as well as Medicaid. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Saturdays.

12000 Shaker Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44120, 216-991-4000
Website

The Cleveland Department of Public Health operates two facilities, The J. Glen Smith Health Center in East Cleveland and the T.F. McCafferty Health Center in West Cleveland. These centers provide free or low-cost primary medical care, including screening for STDs. Services are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are preferred.

11100 St. Clair Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44108, Multiple Greater Cleveland locations 216- 249-4100
Website

Planned Parenthood is a national organization dedicated to providing affordable health care and sex education. Services include STD and HIV testing. Several Planned Parenthood clinics are located near and around Cleveland Heights. Walk-in services are available, but it’s better to make an appointment. The clinics usually operate Monday to Saturday. Planned Parenthood charges sliding scale fees based on an individual’s circumstances. The organization also accepts most private insurance as well as Medicaid.

7997 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103, 1-800-230-7526 Multiple Greater Cleveland locations
Website

Cleveland Clinic Community Care, part of the Cleveland Clinic hospital group, offers primary care health services. Patients need to make an appointment online and are referred to one of the clinic’s board-certified physicians or care providers. The clinic is a nonprofit organization that offers access to a wide range of medical services, including STD testing.

11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106, Multiple greater Cleveland locations 216-444-2538
Website

Neighborhood Family Practice operates from several clinics in West Cleveland. Comprehensive primary care services are offered, including testing for STDs, and same-day appointments are available. Fees are based on a sliding scale for those without insurance. The practice accepts most commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.

2358 Professor Avenue Cleveland, OH 44113, Multiple Greater Cleveland locations 216-281-0872
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