STD Testing in Ohio

Getting tested for STDs in Ohio can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs — especially ones with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are a national concern, and Ohio has rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea above the national average, ranking 14th and 11th respectively, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When it comes to primary and secondary syphilis and congenital syphilis, the state fares a bit better, ranking 27th and 26th, respectively.

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 you can know for sure if you have an STD and get the treatment you need to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous Ohio STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Here for You Sexual Health Clinic offers free testing, while Planned Parenthood locations in Ohio offer a full suite of sexual health services.

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Ohio 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 Ohio

Ohio’s reported STDs are concerning, especially for chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are at above average levels. In Ohio, some of the underlying causes of increased STDs relate to a complex network of social factors. Some of these factors may include economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources. Trends seen in Ohio include:

Testing Graph Ohio

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 you should generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in Ohio:

Ohio 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 Ohio

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Ohio?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Ohio at a rate of 509.2 cases per 100,000 people in the state. But Ohio actually ranks higher for gonorrhea (11th in the nation) at 265.0 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Ohio?

There are free STD clinics in Ohio, including at the Here for You Sexual Health Clinic in Marysville.

How much does STD testing cost in Ohio?

The cost of an STD test can range from a few bucks to hundreds — it really depends on the location and the test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, provide free or low-cost testing. In addition, you may be able to go through your health insurance at most labs and clinics, with at-home testing companies to lower costs.

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, testing should include HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage varies depending on the clinic you visit. However, the majority of public and private STD clinics accept insurance. Call the clinic ahead of your visit to ask about insurance policies.

How long does it take to get STD results?

At some clinics, you may be able to get rapid results within the hour for certain tests, like  HIV. Other tests could take up to a week, especially bacterial testing for STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in Ohio

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. You’ll find numerous authoritative resources at the state and national level that provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.

Sources

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