STD Testing in Saint Louis, MO

Getting tested for an STD in St. Louis is easy, thanks to the many free and confidential clinics available. It’s imporant to be aware of these resources when you consider the statistics.

Did you know that the rate of STDs in St. Louis is considerably higher than the state’s rate? Take gonorrhea: In St. Louis, it’s diagnosed in 738.8 people per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 179.1. That’s why monitoring your sexual health is crucial in helping protect yourself, and stopping the spread of STDs.

Walk into centers like ThriVe, which focuses on free STD testing for females, or make an appointment near a community center like the North Central Community Health Center.

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 Saint Louis, MO?

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 Saint Louis, MO?

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 Saint Louis, MO?

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:

Vivient Health is a nonprofit organization that provides dental, medical, and pharmacy services, as well as free rapid HIV testing and screening for hepatitis C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Testing is confidential and available to everyone, and it’s provided by experienced staff members who can answer your questions about prevention and treatment. To make an appointment, you can request an appointment online or call during operating hours. The clinic is open on weekdays and walk-ins are accepted on Mondays and Wednesdays.

2653 Locust St. St. Louis, MO 63103, 314-645-6451
Viventhealth.org

Williams and Associates, Inc. provides testing for HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Testing for HIV and hepatitis C is performed by drawing a small blood sample, and results are available in the office on the same day. Test results for other STDs are performed either by a blood draw or a urinalysis and are available within two weeks. If you test positive, you will be contacted by phone. Testing services may be provided on a walk-in basis, but appointments are recommended, and treatment is by appointment only. All services are provided free of cost.

3737 N. Kingshighway Blvd., Ste.204-206 St. Louis, MO 63115, 314-385-1935
Minorityhealthstl.org

The SPOT provides free testing and treatment for STDs, including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and trichomoniasis. If you don’t have symptoms, testing services are provided on a walk-in basis on weekdays, with limited afternoon time slots available. If you have symptoms, you must arrive on Monday, Thursday, or Friday by 1:00 p.m. to see a medical provider for treatment. Test results are available within three days, and free medical treatment is offered to all clients who test positive for an STD. The clinic also provides free rapid HIV testing and referrals for those who test positive.

4169 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108, 314-535-0413
Thespot.wustl.edu

ThriVe provides free STD testing for females aged 15 to 64. Some tests that the clinic provides include those for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. STD testing takes about 45 minutes and can be scheduled online or over the phone. If you’re female and between 15 to 24 years of age, you are eligible for free testing annually; some may qualify for retesting within the same year. Services are provided on a walk-in basis or by appointment.

4331 Lindell Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108, 314-783-0478
Thrivestlouis.org

The North Central Community Health Center is operated by the St. Louis Department of Public Health and provides confidential counseling, testing, and treatment for STDs for adults and adolescents. Care is provided on a walk-in basis on weekdays, and patient limits may apply. You should bring photo identification and a health insurance card if you have coverage. You will not incur out-of-pocket costs, regardless of insurance status. STDs that the clinic screens for include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and chancroid.

4000 Jennings Station Rd. St. Louis, MO 63121, 314-615-9700
Stlouisco.com

Family Care Health Centers provides affordable health care services, including dental services, optometry, nutritional services, and STD testing. The clinic accepts most major health insurance plans. If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll be served on a sliding fee scale based on family size and household income. It accommodates non-English speaking clients, with staff providing interpretation services for Spanish, Bosnian, Vietnamese, and Somali, and free interpretation services are provided by telephone for other languages. To make an appointment, you should call the clinic during operating hours. 401 Holly Hills Ave. St. Louis, MO

63111 Multiple St. Louis locations, 314-353-5190
Familycarehealthcenters.org

• 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