STD Testing in Maryland

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Maryland can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially those with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are rising across the country, and in Maryland, they are even more prevalent. According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Maryland is No. 12 for chlamydia, No. 24 for gonorrhea, No. 14 for syphilis, and No. 15 for congenital syphilis.

Many STDs are curable. For those that aren’t, treatments are usually available to help manage symptoms and prevent you from passing them on to others. If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the only way to know if you have an STD and get the treatment you need.

There are numerous Maryland STD testing resources where you can get answers and get tested for free or at a low cost. AHF offers free testing, and Planned Parenthood offers a full suite of sexual health services, along with interpreters, if you let them know in advance.

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Maryland STD Testing Directory

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.

STD Trends in Maryland

In Maryland, STDs impact men and women of all ages. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the most commonly diagnosed STDs in the state. In 2020, these STDs were prevalent throughout more than half the zip codes in Maryland. Several factors likely contribute to the high incidence of STDs within the state, including socioeconomic disparities that prevent access to health care services and STD education.

Testing Graph Maryland

Source: CDC 2020 STD Surveillance Report

STD Screening Recommendations and Risk Factors

If you have sex, you are at risk for getting an STD. According to the CDC, Risk factors for STDs include:

  • Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Anonymous sex partners
  • Sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Injection of drugs or sharing needles

Should you get tested for STDs? And how often? Talk to your doctor to be sure, but generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in Maryland:

Maryland Community STD Testing Centers

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:

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in Maryland

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Maryland?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Maryland at a rate of 535.9 cases per 100,000 people. It ranks 12th in the nation in chlamydia cases.

Is STD testing free in Maryland?

There are free STD clinics in Maryland, including at the Maryland Department of Health and Planned Parenthood.

How much does STD testing cost in Maryland?

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.

What is included in a full STD panel?

When getting a full STD panel, expect testing for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on the clinic you visit, but most public and private STD clinics accept insurance. Contact the clinic before your visit to ask about insurance policies.

How long does it take to get STD results?

Some clinics offer rapid results, such as HIV test results within 30 minutes. Still, other tests may take up to a week to return results, particularly bacterial testing, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in Maryland

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. Numerous authoritative resources at the state and national levels provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.

Sources

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