STD Testing in Kentucky

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Kentucky 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 becoming increasingly prevalent in the U.S. Kentucky ranks fairly low regarding reported chlamydial infection cases but ranks middle of the pack for gonorrhea and syphilis, according to the CDC. Specifically, Kentucky is No. 35 for chlamydia, No. 28 for gonorrhea, No. 25 for syphilis, and No. 27 for congenital syphilis.

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 Kentucky STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. AVOL Kentucky offers free testing, and Harlan County Health Department offers a full suite of sexual health services.

Kentucky 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 Kentucky

Kentucky has seen an alarming increase in STD numbers over the past years, hitting peak levels in 2017. Drug abuse is thought to have been largely responsible for the rising STD rates since drug users are the most likely to engage in unsafe behaviors such as unprotected sex. Common STD trends in Kentucky include:

Testing Graph Kentucky

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 Kentucky:

Free STD Testing Centers in Kentucky

Community-based STD testing organizations help expand access to sexual health services by offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment.

You may choose a community testing center if cost, insurance coverage, privacy, or access to a regular healthcare provider is a concern. While some centers charge a small fee, many offer free or low-cost STD testing and additional support services. Below are examples of community-based resources where reduced-cost testing may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in Kentucky

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Kentucky?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Kentucky at a rate of 419.7 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Kentucky?

There are free STD clinics in Kentucky, including AVOL Kentucky.

How much does STD testing cost in Kentucky?

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 Kentucky

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. Numerous authoritative resources at the state and national levels provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.