STD Testing in Lakewood, Colorado

If you think you’ve been exposed to an STD, don’t wait to get tested. And if you’re sexually active and not experiencing common STD symptoms, regular screening is important to protect your health. There are lots of resources close to you in Lakewood that are confidential and can offer answers, treatment if necessary, or peace of mind.

STDs are on the rise across the country, though they are slightly less prevalent in Colorado than other states, according to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report. Colorado ranks 26th for chlamydia, 27th for gonorrhea, 26th for syphilis, and 29th for congenital syphilis.

The good news is, there are many free and low-cost STD testing resources close to you in Lakewood. AFC Urgent Care offers flexible hours and is open seven days a week. The Jefferson County Public Health Clinic is LGBTQ+ friendly and any teen or adult can get STD screening. The Planned Parenthood Park Hill provides interpretation services if you need it.

Take Control of Your Health

Find an STD Testing Location in Lakewood, Colorado

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

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.

Although at-home STD testing is safe and convenient, it’s not available in every community. Check your state and local laws to verify at-home testing is an option for you.

STD Testing Options in Lakewood, Colorado

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 to Get Tested for STDs

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get a complete STD panel. 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 a Complete 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:

A full-panel STD test adds:

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Lakewood, Colorado?

The cost of a 10-test STD panel 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 complete STD panel tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Lakewood, Colorado?

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 Lakewood, Colorado?

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 STD Testing Centers in Lakewood, Colorado

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:

Sources

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This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

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