STD Testing in Boston, Massachusetts

If you think you might have been exposed to an STD, are feeling STD symptoms, or just want a screening to be proactive, rest assured there are options in Boston for free and low-cost STD testing.

STD cases across the country are on the rise, yet Massachusetts rates for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are below the national average. Based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Rankings, the state is No. 38 for chlamydia, No. 42 for gonorrhea, No. 25 for primary and secondary syphilis, and No. 33 for congenital syphilis. That said, STD cases are higher in Boston and Suffolk County than the rest of the state.

There are 70 STD testing locations in Boston, including the Planned Parenthood of Greater Boston Health Center, which also provides LGBTQ+ services. Fenway Health is a federally-funded health center that serves anyone regardless of your ability to pay and provides advanced services like fourth-generation HIV serum testing. Following is a comprehensive listing of STD testing sites in Boston and how testing works.

Find an STD Testing Location in Boston, Massachusetts

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.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

STD Testing Options in Boston, Massachusetts

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

  • Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
  • Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
  • Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection. Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms. A routine STD panel may include:

A full-panel STD test adds:

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Boston, 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.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Boston, Massachusetts?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Boston, Massachusetts?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community STD Testing Centers in Boston, Massachusetts

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:

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