STD Testing in Idaho

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

STDs are a national concern, and Idaho has an especially high rate of congenital syphilis, ranking 42nd in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the state is ranked 47th for primary and secondary syphilis, 44th for chlamydia, and 46th for gonorrhea.

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 Idaho STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Central District Health offers testing on a sliding fee scale. Southeastern Idaho Public Health charges based on family size, income, and whether you’re trying to plan for or prevent pregnancy.

Idaho 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 Idaho

Idaho’s reported STDs are well-below average, although still prevalent. In Idaho, some 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. Startling trends seen in Idaho include:

Testing Graph Idaho

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 Idaho:

Idaho 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 Idaho

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Idaho?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Idaho at a rate of 351.0 cases per 100,000 people in the state. But Idaho ranks highest for congenital syphilis at second in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 9.1 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Idaho?

There are many low-cost STD clinics in Idaho, including the Southeastern Idaho Public Health, which normally charges a nominal fee but also offers free STD testing months.

How much does STD testing cost in Idaho?

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 to test for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Does insurance cover STD testing?

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 Idaho

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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