How to Get Tested for STDs

Getting tested for STDs is straightforward and confidential. Here's what you need to know about where, when, and how to test.

Where to Get Tested

• Your primary care provider or OB-GYN — can order STD testing during a routine visit or when you request it. Tests may be billed through insurance.
• Planned Parenthood and community health clinics — offer free or low-cost STD testing regardless of insurance.
• Urgent care centers — many offer same-day STD testing without an appointment; costs vary.
• At-home test kits — private, FDA-approved kits for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are available online. Results are typically delivered through a secure portal or app within days.
• Online lab testing services — order a test panel online, visit a local draw site, and receive results privately.

When to Test After Exposure

• Chlamydia and gonorrhea — wait at least 1–2 weeks after potential exposure for accurate results (nucleic acid amplification tests detect bacterial DNA).
• HIV — fourth-generation antigen/antibody tests are reliable 18–45 days post-exposure; RNA tests can detect HIV as early as 9–11 days.
• Syphilis — blood tests are reliable 3–6 weeks after exposure.
• Herpes (HSV) — blood antibody tests are reliable 4–6 weeks after exposure; swab tests of active sores can be done immediately.

What a Panel Covers

A standard STD screening panel typically includes chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, and sometimes trichomoniasis. Herpes and HPV testing are not routinely included unless you request them or have symptoms. Full panels with early-detection HIV RNA testing add a more sensitive initial screen.

Do You Need to Fast?

No. STD blood and urine tests do not require fasting. You can take them at any time of day.