STD Testing in New Mexico

Getting tested for STDs in New Mexico 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 New Mexico has an especially high rate of congenital syphilis, ranking first in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the state is ranked third for primary and secondary syphilis, seventh for chlamydia, and 17th 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 New Mexico STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Many counties have local health service centers where you can get testing and treatment. For example, Bernalillo County Public Health Office offers walk-in testing, and Cibola County Public Health Office provides free and anonymous testing and safe sex education.

New Mexico 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 New Mexico

New Mexico’s reported STDs are above average for chlamydia, gonorrhea, congenital syphilis, and primary and secondary syphilis. In New Mexico, 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 New Mexico include:

Testing Graph New Mexico

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 New Mexico:

New Mexico 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 New Mexico

Which STD has the highest number of cases in New Mexico?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in New Mexico at a rate of 576.3 cases per 100,000 people. But New Mexico ranks highest for syphilis at seventh in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 182.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in New Mexico?

There are free STD clinics in New Mexico, including the Bernalillo County Public Health Office and Cibola County Public Health Office.

How much does STD testing cost in New Mexico?

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 New Mexico

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 levels that provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.

Sources

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