Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
STD rates in the Tampa area are lower than in Southeast Florida, but they are still going up, including among seniors. A large number of seniors have spent the majority of their lives in monogamous relationships, so they are often not accustomed to using protection during sex.
Now, many are newly single and may meet other lonely people in retirement communities. Seniors also contract diseases more easily when exposed since our skin thins as we age, including “down there.”
In 2015, there were 4,148 people living with HIV or AIDS in Pinellas County, with a prevalence rate of 496 per 100K people, below Florida’s rate of 615. In 2017, Pinellas County had 4,188 chlamydia cases, at a rate of 435.7 per 100K people. The gonorrhea and infectious syphilis rates were 163.7 and 16.6.
At least one nonprofit provides free STD testing in the area, but for HIV only. The Largo Health Department on Ulmerton Rd offers STI testing and treatment. AFC Urgent Care has two nearby locations in Pinellas Park and Clearwater, and they provide STD screening and treatment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
EPIC is part of Empath Health, a non-profit network of health providers that serve the residents living in the Tampa Bay area. The organization focuses on chronic illnesses like STDs, and it not only aims to eliminate the spread of the diseases but also provides support to people infected by such illness. EPIC clinic offers HIV testing services, medication assistance, and preventive care to help PLWHA live independent and healthy lives. HIV test results may be released in about 15 minutes, but secondary tests may take up to two weeks.
AHF Wellness Center in St. Petersburg is part of the AHF foundation that provides cutting-edge medication and support services to PLWHA globally. It has experienced doctors and nurses who are proficient in testing and treating STDs. Moreover, researchers are part of the team, and they are a key component in developing advanced medication for HIV. Also, the non-profit organization advocates for the rights of HIV positive individuals and aims to eliminate the stigma that surrounds them.
St. Petersburg Health Center is a Planned Parenthood clinic that offers medical services to the residents in St. Petersburg and its neighboring areas. Its physicians pay special attention to reproductive health care, particularly the testing and treatment of STDs. They offer rapid HIV tests whose results may be available in 20 to 30 minutes.
Since 1936, the Florida Department of Health has been serving the citizens of Pinellas County. It has 6 health centers throughout the county, and it aims to seamlessly serve all its clients through the provision of quality medical services. Through its STD clinics, it’s able to control the spread of STDs by offering preventive care, testing, and treatment services.
Bayfront Health Convenient Care is an urgent care clinic that has been serving the residents of Pinellas County for more than 30 years. Its medical team is skilled in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses such as colds, burns, dehydration, coughs, and fever. Additionally, they are well-trained in screening STDs, including conducting rapid HIV tests.
AFC Urgent Care is an urgent care network of health-care providers that has clinics in multiple locations in the US, including Clearwater. It aims to bridge the gap that exists between the hospital ERs and primary care physicians, so it provides primary care services on an urgent basis. The medical team offers care for multiple diseases, including screening, testing, and treating STDs.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Infectious disease specialist (HIV), addictions treatment, free case management services and linkage to care, drug assistance. Friday appointment only
Description: 2nd and 4th Thurs., 8am-7pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization. See website for special extended hours
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Closed for lunch 12:30pm-1:15pm
Description: Community Based Organization. Saturday by appointment only. HIV at home kits can be mailed or patients can pick them up
Description: Community Based Organization. Visit website for special extended hours
Florida leads the U.S. in new HIV cases. This comes after years of cuts in public health and not being treated as a crisis by the governor. While the disease spreads, years of personnel cuts in the Department of Health shrunk the size of county health departments.
HIV infections have increased in Florida as they decreased across the United States. Staff reductions in the Florida Department of Health’s HIV program could have hampered prevention of HIV and led to a rise in cases.
Here are related statistics you should note about Florida.
Here are statistics about STDs in the country.
STD rates among Florida teenagers are rapidly rising. According to the Pinellas County Health Department, two out of every three cases are young people.
Some are as young as middle school. Local school districts as well as the state health department are doing all they can to keep kids informed and safe. Data about Pinellas County shows that in high school about 50 percent of students are sexually active.
The clinic’s HIV testing services are freely discharged to anybody who visits the health center. This is available regardless of age, gender, or race.
Any Florida resident residing in the Tampa region may confidently walk-in to receive comprehensive HIV services. Moreover, some services are available for free with no out-of-pocket costs for you. The clinic may open during the weekend or evening, but it’s advisable to call ahead and confirm.
5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760, USA
The medical team offers free STD testing services to everyone who visits the clinic despite age, color, or gender.
The testing counselors serve everyone who walks-in, hence there’s no need for appointment booking. Additionally, some services are free so you won’t have to spend cash at the clinic. Also, doctors may offer comprehensive care to every client that tests HIV positive.
3404 26th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711, USA
Uninsured clients may utilize self-pay options to pay for STD testing services while insured clients may use their health plans to pay for medical care at the facility. Otherwise, the clinic doesn’t discriminate against age, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Everyone who needs language interpretation services should call ahead to request the service. Some STD services are on a walk-in basis, but you also have the freedom to schedule an appointment. Moreover, qualified clinicians provide free male and female condoms.
33 6th St S #110, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
The health department may offer free HIV testing services. However, some services may come at a low cost to accommodate low-income earners.
The health department has an AIDS patient care clinic that is funded by the Ryan White program, so it provides affordable comprehensive services to PLWHA. Moreover, it may offer some STD services free of charge. Also, the staff works compassionately and kindly to create a friendly environment for everyone.
8751 Ulmerton Rd, Largo, FL 33771, USA
The health center accepts most insurance health plans, so most insured persons qualify for its services. It also has a non-discrimination policy against race, color, disability, age, or sex.
If you need to see a physician and receive STD services, you may schedule an appointment online or walk-in any time the clinic is open. Moreover, the facility is open for extended hours during weekends, therefore, busy clients may take advantage of this. Also, the health-care providers offer free language assistance services to anybody who needs them.
13163 66th St N, Largo, FL 33773, USA
The clinic serves the general public and has no age, gender, or race restrictions. Most insurance covers are accepted, and uninsured clients may pay for STD testing services using self-pay payment options.
The physicians accept walk-in clients for their STD services. Every client is entitled to receive confidential services, and your STD results won’t appear among your primary care results unless you choose so. Moreover, you may seek services at the clinic any time since it’s open daily, and the approximate wait time to see a physician is 25 minutes.
1500 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA
exual education should involve a serious conversation. So says Danielle Hoops who is a representative at Pinellas Park Middle School and not scared to have a sexual education conversation with young students at the school. She wants students to know that dating does not have to include sexual activity, especially at their age. Ideally, all who choose to be sexually active understand the responsibilities that go along with that, said Peggy Johns of Pinellas County Schools.
The Florida Department of Education has an aim of reducing instances of HIV/STD and pregnancy among youth. It attempts to achieve this goal by providing technical assistance to districts regarding the provision of exemplary sexual health education in Florida schools and effective policies related to sexual health education and HIV/STD prevention.
The department also provides training and professional development opportunities for district and school administrators, educators, school nurses, psychologists, and social workers, offered through online trainings, regional trainings, and training tracks at the Healthy Schools Summer Academy. Florida’s Sexual Health Education Community Outreach Toolkit is available to help achieve the goals of its sex education programs.
The toolkit provides information, ideas, and strategies to assist school district staff and community members with reducing the number of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among youth and improve the health and academic success of students. The state attempts to provide comprehensive health education.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive health education program and motivate students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and avoid or reduce health related risk behaviors. Florida standards for K-12 grades include core concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, a standard is to look at internal and external influence and analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors.
The standard identifies what the student should achieve. There is a corresponding benchmark of what the student will know and be able to do at the end of each grade.
Demographics play a role in the number of STDs in your area. As one example, Floridians between the age of 15 and 24 account for 64 percent of the reported cases of chlamydia infections.
That age group represents only 13 percent of the population. Lack of STD awareness is perpetuated by stigma, secrecy, and shame. More than half of all adults and more than one-third of all teens said that their health care providers spent no time discussing STDs with them.
For genital herpes, the infection rate of African-Americans is three times higher than that of whites. African-Americans with the same number of sexual partners as whites still have a significantly higher risk of herpes infection.
In the fifteen to nineteen years old age range, rates of chlamydia infection are 50 percent higher among Mexican-Americans compared to whites. Rates among African-Americans in this age group are twice as high as those of white Americans.
Florida has the highest number of new HIV cases in the nation. More than half of all people in the United States will be infected with an STD at some point in their lifetime.
While anyone who is sexually active is at risk for getting an STD, women, youth, and people of color are more likely to become infected. For women, STDs pass more easily from men to women than vice versa, which results in higher female rates of infection. Each year 9 million new cases of STDs occur among young people aged 15 to 24. By age 25, one-half of all sexually active young people get an STD.
Young people are at greatest risk for STDs because they are more likely to have unprotected sex and more than one sex partner. Young women, in particular, are vulnerable to STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhea because of changes in the cervix due to puberty.
African-Americans and Hispanics have disproportionately high poverty rates, making them less likely to have health insurance and access to medical care to prevent and treat STDs.
The Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County has STD clinics for confidential testing and treatment at five health department locations. If you do not know where to get help call the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County. All information will be private and confidential. A private doctor can also treat STDs and provide information.
Planned Parenthood/St. Petersburg is another STI testing resource in your area. It is about 20 miles from your city. The facility can handle STD testing, diagnosis and treatment includes bacterial vaginosis, chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV (testing and diagnosis only), syphilis, and trichomoniasis (trich). Vaccines are also available. Testing involves urine samples and a blood sample taken from a finger stick. Counseling and confidential testing for STDs are provided by trained staff.
If you go to an online testing service, you can find online reviews and get STD testing that is same day requiring less than an hour of notice to schedule STD and HIV testing, with STD Test Express being one of these services available in your area. You order tests online, go to a local facility, get results via telephone, talk to a doctor via telephone, then get a treatment plan.
The service could issue you a prescription and is an option to consider for a discreet and confidential approach. PlushCare is another service available in your area.
You order your STD test and can get help from the service to specify which tests you should get. You then go to a lab in your neighborhood. Then you get results and treatment if needed. You get results via email in three business days. If you test positive, you get connected to a team doctor to determine a treatment plan.
Whether you go to Planned Parenthood/St. Petersburg, an area hospital, or one of the highly rated high schools or colleges in your area, you can find information about about STDs, testing, and treatment. While STD rates are high in your area, help is available in the way of testing and treatment that is confidential, discreet, compassionate, and effective.
Consider how the staff at some facilities is trained to help someone like you, especially with the staff at the STD Services of the Florida Department of Health or another facility reminding you to check your health, improve it, and keep yourself healthy by always using a condom. If you have had unprotected sex you can find in your neighborhood resources to help you get tested, shame free.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
