STD Testing in Tennessee

Getting tested for STDs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee has an especially high rate of chlamydia, ranking eighth in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state is ranked ninth for gonorrhea but below the national average for primary and secondary syphilis (20th) and congenital syphilis (18th).

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 Tennessee, often for free or at a low cost.  The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County offers low-cost testing at three locations, and Planned Parenthood offers a full suite of sexual health services.

Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Tennessee’s reported STDs are above average for chlamydia and gonorrhea but below national case rates for both types of syphilis. Some underlying causes of increased STDs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee include:

Testing Graph Tennessee

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 Tennessee:

Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Tennessee?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Tennessee at a rate of 555.1 cases per 100,000 people in the state, and the state ranks eighth in the nation. Tennessee also ranks high for gonorrhea at ninth in the nation, though the rate of infection is much lower than chlamydia at 270.3 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Tennessee?

There are STD clinics in Tennessee that provide low-cost STD testing; for individuals who qualify, it may be free. This includes the Hamilton County Health Department.

How much does STD testing cost in Tennessee?

STD testing pricing varies depending on where and what you’re testing for. At some community or nonprofit clinics, you may be able to find free or low-cost testing options. At private labs or clinics, or when using an at-home test, you may be able to go through your health insurance to cover or lower the 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?

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

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage will depend on your plan, where you are tested, and the type of test you need. Most public and private STD clinics will accept insurance, but it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask before your appointment.

How long does it take to get STD results?

HIV tests may offer rapid results in as little as 30 minutes, but other STDs can take up to a week, like bacterial testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in Tennessee

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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