Free STD Testing in Columbia, MO

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.

The three most commonly reported STDs in Boone County and its seat, Columbia, in 2017 were chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. A total of 1,654 cases were reported, with chlamydia remaining the most prevalent with 1,328 diagnoses.

Boone County’s chlamydia rate ranked as the state’s fourth-highest in 2017. With 752 per 100,000 individuals, the county surpassed Missouri’s rate of 536.4 by a large margin. In fact, Boone County’s rate increased by 12.7% from 2016, which was more than double the state’s 5.8% growth rate.

With the exception of individuals over the age of 40, incidents among females exceeded those among males. The highest numbers were reported in the 18-19 age group, with females’ rate of 3,526.5 per 100,000 nearly three times that of their male counterparts 1,199.5. Similarly, cases among females in the second-highest category of 20-24 year-olds were documented at a rate of 3,267 per 100,000, which was nearly twice the rate of 1,641 among males.

In 2017, there were 310 reported incidents of gonorrhea in Boone County, a 62.3% increase over 2016’s 191. Although the county’s rate of 175.5 per 100,000 residents was lower than the state’s 214.8, it ranked as the 15th-highest rate among Missouri’s 114 counties.

Males’ overall gonorrhea rate of 184.4 per 100,000 was somewhat higher than females’ 167.2 in 2017. However, females aged 0-19 years accounted for the majority of cases, while males aged 20 and above outpaced incidents among females.

The highest numbers occurred in the 25-29 age group, with the rate for males of 555.5 per 100,000 persons compared to a rate of 396.7 for females. The second-highest rate of 407.5 was reported in males aged 30-34, compared to a rate of 298.9 among females in the same age category.

Boone County reported a total of 16 syphilis cases in 2017. With a rate of 9.1 per 100,000 persons, it represents 17% growth countywide from 2016. Comparatively, Missouri’s 2017 rate of 22 during the same time period accounted for a 40.1% increase from the previous year.

Nationally, males accounted for the majority of primary and secondary syphilis cases in every age group, according to the CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2017. The 25-29-year-old category ranked the highest with a rate of 51.9 per 100,000 among males, more than seven times that of the rate of 7.1 among females. A similar comparison existed in the 20-24 age group in which the 41.1 per 100,000 rate among males was nearly six times the rate of 7.8 reported in females.

STD symptoms often go undetected, leading to the unintentional spread of infections. Most STDs are curable, and they’re all treatable. However, it’s important to get care as soon as possible to avoid complications that can lead to more serious illnesses. Sexually active adolescents and adults should be tested regularly. Boone County offers a number of free and low-cost options for the uninsured.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources in Columbia that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:

Planned Parenthood provides STD and HIV testing and treatment in addition to HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. The clinic’s trained medical professionals assist adolescents, men, and women with confidential exams and solutions. The facility also offers general health care, birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy, and abortion services. Its hours vary according to the day, but appointments are required. A variety of insurance plans are accepted, and a sliding-fee-scale payment schedule is available for the uninsured.

711 North Providence Road
Columbia, MO 65203
573-443-0427
Website

Spectrum Health Care’s staff, volunteers, and interns provide confidential STD and HIV testing and referrals at the clinic and events on nearby college campuses. The facility also offers primary care and behavioral health services in addition to self-care programs for chronic conditions. Clinic hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are accepted for all services.

1123 Wilkes Boulevard, Suite 250
Columbia, MO 65201
573-514-7312
Website

The Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services clinic provides testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. STD testing services are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Boone County residents pay $20 for testing, and those who reside outside of the county are charged $40. HIV testing is also provided for free. Other medical services, such as immunizations and reproductive health, are available by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1005 West Worley Street
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-7355
Website

University Physicians Medicine Specialty Clinic tests and treats STDs and HIV/AIDS in addition to providing HPV and hepatitis A and B vaccines. The facility also manages a variety of other infectious diseases, including endocarditis, tuberculosis, and tick-borne illnesses. Patients are seen by appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Services are offered on a sliding-fee scale, and a range of insurance plans are accepted.

1020 Hitt Street
Columbia, MO 65212
573-882-4141
Website

For individuals who live or work northwest of Columbia, the Howard County Public Health Department in Fayette offers STD testing on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred. The clinic’s other services include immunizations and blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose checks. The facility offers a sliding-fee scale.

600 West Morrison Street, Suite 7
Fayette, MO 65248
660-248-3100
Website

• https://www.como.gov/health/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2018/08/2017-Columbia-Boone-County-STD-Report.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/toc.htm
• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats17/2017-STD-Surveillance-Report_CDC-clearance-9.10.18.pdf