STD Testing in Massachusetts

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts has an especially high rate of syphilis, ranking 28th in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the state is ranked 35th for congenital syphilis, 41st for chlamydia, and 42nd 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 Massachusetts STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Boston Public Health Commission offers free testing at all community health centers and hospitals throughout the city. The City of Gloucester Health Department provides testing at its ONESTOP Harm Reduction Center.

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Massachusetts’s reported STDs are below average but still prevalent in the state. Some underlying causes of increased STDs in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts include:

Testing Graph Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts:

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Massachusetts?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Massachusetts at a rate of 361.3 cases per 100,000 people. But Massachusetts ranks highest for primary and secondary syphilis at 35th in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 8.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Massachusetts?

There are free STD clinics in Massachusetts, including the Boston Public Health Commission and Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers.

How much does STD testing cost in Massachusetts?

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 Massachusetts

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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