STD Testing in Georgia

Getting tested for STDs in Georgia can help you identify sexually transmitted diseases (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 Georgia has an especially high rate of chlamydia, ranking sixth in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state is ranked ninth for primary and secondary syphilis, 16th for gonorrhea, and 12th 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 Georgia, often for free or at a low cost. Dekalb County Board of Health offers free testing, and Planned Parenthood offers a full suite of sexual health services.

Georgia 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 Georgia

Georgia’s reported STDs are generally below average, except for syphilis, which is above average. Some underlying causes of increased STDs in Georgia related to a complex network of social factors. 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. Startling trends seen in Georgia include:

Testing Graph Georgia

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 Georgia:

Georgia 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 Georgia

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Georgia?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Georgia at a rate of 589.4 cases per 100,000 people, and the state ranks sixth in the nation. Georgia also ranks high for primary and secondary syphilis at ninth in the nation, though the infection rate is much lower than chlamydia at 16.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Georgia?

There are free STD clinics in Georgia, including from the Dekalb County Board of Health.

How much does STD testing cost in Georgia?

The cost of STD testing ranges fairly widely depending on your testing location and type. Some community or nonprofit clinics offer free or low-cost testing. Other locations, like private labs or clinics, or if you use an at-home testing company, may accept insurance that covers or reduces your out-of-pocket cost.

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?

If you get a full STD panel, you’ll be tested for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Does insurance cover STD testing?

Insurance coverage may vary based on your plan and where you go for testing; the type of test you get may also affect coverage. In general, most public and private STD clinics accept insurance. Call the clinic before your visit to inquire if it accepts insurance.

How long does it take to get STD results?

You may get rapid results for tests like HIV within 30 minutes, while other tests can take a few days to a week. This is particularly true of bacterial testing for STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in Georgia

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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