Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
In 2015, there were 900 people living with HIV or AIDS in Sarasota County, with a rate of 248 per 100K people. This is well below the Florida rate of 615, but make sure you stay safe so those numbers go down. Sarasota’s 2017 rate of bacterial STDs, at 398, is also much lower than Florida’s rate of 684.7. That year, there were 1,148 chlamydia cases and 371 gonorrhea cases in Sarasota County.
The infectious syphilis numbers had gone up sharply, nearly reaches Florida’s rate with 41 cases in 2017, and there was one case of congenital syphilis.
Many health officials blame the rise of syphilis, especially in women, on opioid and meth addiction. Florida has the fifth highest rate of congenital syphilis, and this can be prevented by a simple test and treatment with penicillin. You may even be able to take advantage of free STD testing during local campaigns or special events.
Sarasota has STD-testing clinics and treatment options around the city. Planned Parenthood, on Central Ave, tests for all STIs and provides treatment for all except HIV.
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County also provides confidential screening and treatment, and you can find them on Ringling Blvd. The Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center screens and treats chlamydia and gonorrhea at their Hawthorne St location.
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
Founded in 2002, Sarasota Medical Pregnancy Center was primarily a pregnancy care center, but it diversified its services the following year. Other services available include ultrasound and STD testing. The clinic serves women residing in Sarasota County as well as their families.
CAN is a community health center that was founded in 1992 to serve the health-care needs of PLWHA and other STDs in Sarasota, FL. It offers services such as dental, lifestyle counseling, and psychological evaluation. The facility has infectious disease specialists who are trained to comprehensively care for HIV patients and offer testing and treatment for other STDs.
CARES Outreach Services is an organization that provides health screening services for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol as well as infectious diseases such as STDs. It serves residents residing in all Area 8 counties in which Sarasota is part of. Clinicians provide rapid HIV testing with results being availed in about 15 minutes, while Gonorrhea and Chlamydia test results have a waiting time of about 3 days.
Sarasota Health Center of Sarasota, FL, is a satellite clinic of Planned Parenthood; a global provider of reproductive and sexual health services. The health center offers services such as birth control, pregnancy care, abortion referrals, and STD screening and treatment. Rapid HIV tests whose results have a waiting time of about 20 to 30 minutes are available.
Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County was founded in 1941, and it aims to promote healthy living among everyone living in Sarasota. It collaborates with various governmental, state, and non-profit agencies to achieve its goal. The facility offers infectious disease services conducted by the Disease Intervention Services team, and the services include testing, treatment, and prevention of HIV/STDs.
The first among many of AFC Family Care clinics was founded in 1982, and the Sarasota clinic is one of the more than 200 facilities spread across various states. It has physicians who are proficient in providing services such as treatment of injuries, physical exams, and conducting x-rays. The medical team also aims to curb the spread of infectious diseases among its clients by offering STD testing services.
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: Community Based Organization.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Accept some private insurance and most Medicaid plans. For those without insurance, fees are based on income and family size. Above hours are for HIV/AIDS services (by appt. only). Visit website for specific walk-in hours for STD services
Description: Community Based Organization. HIV and HEP C Testing - 13 years or older; no parental or guardian consent needed. Free Rapid HIV, HEP C and STI testing also offered by appointment and after hours. Please call 941.224.2155. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays by appointment only
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Social Service Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization. This location provides PrEP to insured and uninsured clients. Testing appointments available Mon.-Thurs., 9am-4pm; Fri., 9am-11am
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: Ryan White site.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available.
Description: Saturday by appt. only
Description: Community Based Organization. Services in partnership with Metro Inclusive Health. Testing appointments available Mon.-Thurs., 9am-4pm; Fri., 9am-11am
Description: Need to enroll as a patient.
Cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are on the rise in Sarasota, FL. While other cities and counties have seen greater numbers in cases, Sarasota’s numbers are on the rise, too, and could quickly go up as much as the other cities. Without STD testing, the infections will spread.
This doesn’t mean that Sarasota is a hotbed of sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, Sarasota has rates significantly lower than other counties and rates of the whole state. While Sarasota jumped up by about 100 cases in 20 years, Florida jumped up over 200 cases in 20 years.
Even though the numbers for STDs seem low, it is still important to go to a private STD clinic and get tested for free. STD numbers are on the rise and it is good to put a stop to that rise now instead of when it gets out of hand.
Physicians offer free STD services regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, or race. You may visit the facility to receive STD services according to the clinic’s latest provisions.
If you require STD services, you may schedule an appointment with the clinic’s physicians. Moreover, the medical team may offer services in Spanish if it’s your preferred language. The clinic offers pregnant women referrals to various community resources. Also, all the services available at the health center are provided at zero cost.
1762 Hawthorne St STE 5, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
Physicians accept multiple insurance plans such as Medicaid, Medicare, and United HealthCare to pay for STD services. Regardless of your financial situation, age, gender, or race, you’ll receive low–cost medical care. Also, the health center offers free HIV and Hepatitis C testing.
Clients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS may receive specialty care via the case management program. The medical team may offer some services free of charge. Also, the clinic has a patient portal for clients to talk to their health-care providers and receive medical care remotely.
3354 17th St, Sarasota, FL 34235, USA
Anyone may qualify for free to low-cost STD testing at Cares depending on the level of income. Also, the clinic’s medical team serves everyone despite gender, age, sexual orientation, or race.
The Campaign for Prevention Program that was developed by CARES is in place to distribute free condoms and lube. If you need STD services, you may walk-in and speak to well-trained physicians. The facility also opens for extended weekend hours which are available by appointment only.
24 N Lime Ave #38, Sarasota, FL 34237, USA
Individuals aged 19 and below may qualify for the Vaccines for Children program that offers free vaccination services. Also, those aged 19 and above and have no insurance may receive free HPV vaccines under the Merck Vaccine Patient Assistance Program. Other STD services are available at a sliding fee scale, and uninsured persons may qualify for a state-funded program. Insured persons may also receive services under their coverage.
Depending on your preferred choice, you may either schedule an appointment or walk-in for STD testing and treatment. Additionally, the medical team may offer services in Spanish, and a telephone interpretation service is available for other languages. Also, you may receive free male and female condoms.
736 Central Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
Residents aged 12 and above may receive STD services at the facility, and no parental consent is required for minors. The SHIP program offers testing services at no cost. However, other services are charged, and the modes of payment accepted include medical insurance health plans. Also, payment for services is on a sliding scale fee based on your income, so you’ll receive comprehensive care no matter your insurance status.
You may walk-in for STD testing whenever the clinic is open, but if you need comprehensive services, you ought to book an appointment. Some services available are availed freely. Also, the medical team provides your test results with confidentiality.
2200 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237, USA
No matter your age, color, gender, race, or religion, you’re bound to receive STD services at the facility. Also, the medical team may bill some insurances, so feel free to contact the clinic to verify the acceptance of your health plan. Uninsured persons may pay for STD services using the low-cost self-pay options available.
The urgent care clinic is open daily to accommodate a majority of its clients, including those with busy weekday schedules. Physicians also work for extended hours daily to promote efficiency in service provision. Moreover, you may conveniently pay your bills online.
2901 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA
Florida allows schools to teach about sexually transmitted diseases as well as how to prevent them and treat them. It is up to each individual school to determine exactly how they teach these lessons and how much they teach. The law does require schools to teach abstinence as the main option to prevent STDs, but there isn’t a law against teach other prevention methods such as the use of condoms.
Because of the limited laws regarding STD education schools within Sarasota vary widely in what they teach students. Some might stick to the abstinence-only lessons that are required by law and not teach about other prevention methods. Others might teach everything as long as the school superintendent approves the content as age appropriate. Sarasota is a large city with many schools. The school in your neighborhood might be lacking in what it teaches about sexual health and education.
HIV and herpes lessons in school follow the same example. There is no law about not teaching about these diseases, but it is not a requirement. It is up to each individual school to make the choice to teach about HIV testing and herpes testing.
For this reason, it is important to have STD testing available to teenagers. If they do not learn they are more likely to accidentally and unknowingly get an infection and they need a safe, private place to go to find out. These STD clinics will also provide information on the diseases, such as symptoms and prevention suggestions. A teenager does not need parental permission to visit these clinics and get tested.
One of the city’s concerns about STDs is that there might be a strain of gonorrhea that isn’t reacting to antibiotics. Clinics and doctors are asked to send a report about any gonorrhea infected patients that aren’t getting better from antibiotic treatment. The idea of an invincible gonorrhea epidemic is scary and one of the many reasons why it is important to be tested for gonorrhea and other STDs on a regular basis as long as you are sexually active.
The widely different sexual education lessons provided in local schools makes it difficult to keep STD cases on the decline. Clinics can not only help with testing, but also help teach students about STDS, HIV, AIDS, and herpes in ways that their schools have not.
Sarasota has many options available for free STD testing and even several groups that go around providing classes on sexual health outside of the classroom. These courses are for teens and even adults that want to learn more about the diseases when they learned so little in school. Perhaps they have a child with an STD and want a better understanding. Outside of the school, Sarasota does care about prevention and treatment of STDs.
Getting an STD test in Sarasota, FL is easy. All it takes a simple, quick phone call to a free STD testing clinic. The tests take only a few moments of your time. These brief and easy tests will help Sarasota keep the number of cases down or eventually eliminate them altogether.
Sarasota has one of the lowest STD rates in the state of Florida and you should proud of your city for this feat. The lack of sexual education options besides abstinence-only classes is potentially harming this feat. If teenagers do not learn about STDS, HIV, AIDS, and herpes early on then they risk getting the diseases and making the numbers rise again. This is why it is important to schedule confidential STD testing.
It only takes one phone call and a few minutes of your time at a nearby lab, and soon you can be back to enjoy the warm sunshine.
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.
