STD Testing in Alabama

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Alabama 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 a national concern, and in Alabama, gonorrhea rates are especially high, with the state ranking fourth in the country based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Alabama is ninth for chlamydia, 23rd for syphilis, and 19th 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 to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous resources where you can get answers to your questions and get STD tests in Alabama, often for free or at a low cost. The Alabama Department of Public Health offers free and confidential STD testing and treatment. Madison County Health Department has walk-in hours. And Tuscaloosa County Health Department provides counseling, partner notifications, and state-mandated STD testing of pregnant women.

Alabama 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 Alabama

Alabama’s reported STDs are higher than average, especially for gonorrhea. Some of the underlying causes of increased STDs in Alabama relate to a complex network of social factors. These may include economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources. Startling trends seen in Alabama include:

Testing Graph Alabama

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 Alabama:

Alabama 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 Alabama

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Alabama?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Alabama at a rate of 552.2 cases per 100,000 people, followed by gonorrhea with a state ranking of fourth and 294.2 cases per 100,000 individuals. The state ranks 19th for congenital syphilis and 23rd for syphilis.

Is STD testing free in Alabama?

There are free STD clinics in Alabama, including the Jefferson County Department of Health and the Alabama Department of Health.

How much does STD testing cost in Alabama?

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 Alabama

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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