STD Testing in Portland, OR

The symptoms of STDs can be confused with other medical issues: abdominal pain, discharge, pain while urinating. Sometimes there are no signs at all. Whether you think you might have been exposed to a sexually transmitted infection or want peace of mind, there are free and low-cost STD screening resources in Portland.

STDs are on the rise across the country. While Oregon has a lower rate of chlamydia and gonorrhea than many other states, ranking No. 37 and No. 36 respectively, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019 STD Surveillance State Rankings report puts Oregan at No. 16 for syphilis.

Outside In focuses on STD screening for underserved populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, and Pivot provides free on-site HIV and full-panel STD screenings. You can also get PrEP preventive medication for HIV there.

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 Portland, OR?

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 Portland, OR?

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 Portland, OR?

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:

Pivot, located in Prism Health, provides free on-site HIV and full-panel STD screenings to the LGBTQAI+ community. Pivot screens for STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. If you test positive for an STD, you will be referred to the Multnomah County STD Clinic or Prism Health Belmont for treatment. If you are HIV-positive, you also can receive PrEP at this location. The clinic is open to walk-ins on Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday 5 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday 2 to 7 p.m. Treatment is unavailable during those testing hours.

2236 SE Belmont St., Portland, OR 97214, 503-445-7699
Prismhealth.org

CAP is the region’s largest community-based provider of HIV services and has been serving the communities of Oregon and SW Washington for more than three decades. It provides various services, including housing, medical case management, primary care, mental health insurance, and screening for STDs and HIV. STDs that the organization screens for include HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. While its offerings are oriented towards those in the LGBTQAI+ community, anyone can receive services. All testing is confidential and free, and services are provided on a walk-in basis. If you test positive for an STD, you will be referred to a local health care provider for treatment. You can also get an at-home testing kit from CAP.

520 NW Davis St., Ste. 215, Portland, OR 97209, 503-223-5907
Capnw.org

NW Portland Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic that provides affordable on-site lab services, primary care, annual wellness exams, vaccines, and STD testing. You can choose to be tested for just one STD, particularly if you have certain symptoms or want to determine if an STD cleared after treatment, or you can choose to have a comprehensive panel done. Some STDs are tested through physical exams, and others are tested through blood or fluid samples. The NW AFC is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and the NE AFC is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NW AFC, 25 NW 23rd Pl., Portland, OR 97210, 503-305-6262
NE AFC, 7033 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97213
Afcurgentcareportland.com

Outside In is a health care and social services nonprofit that seeks to remove barriers to mental, medical, and supportive programs for underserved populations, including people of color, those experiencing homelessness, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. It operates two health clinics that serve adults and adolescents, providing routine primary care, disease prevention and management, and HIV/STD/HepC testing and treatment. Outside In is also offering COVID-19 vaccinations as well. You can book an appointment ahead of time or receive care on a walk-in basis. The clinic accepts most health insurance plans and has staff available to help you sign up for the Oregon Health Plan. No one is turned away due to the inability to pay. If you are 13 or 14, you must take a guardian with you.

1132 SW 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97205, 503-535-3860
Outsidein.org

The Hillman East Portland Center of Planned Parenthood offers a range of health services, including birth control, HIV testing, gender-specific health care, and STD testing and treatment. STDs the clinic screens for include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and HIV, and testing is performed via physical exam or blood or fluid sample. Staff members speak English and Spanish, and interpretation by telephone is available for other languages. The clinic accepts most insurance plans, and sliding fee schedules are available if you are self-pay. You can use the online booking tool or call the clinic during business hours to schedule an appointment. It is open Monday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

3231 SE 50th Ave., Portland, OR 97206, 888-875-7820
Plannedparenthood.org

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed October 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed October 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed October 2021