STD Testing in North Dakota

Getting tested for STDs in North Dakota can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially STDs with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are a national concern, and while North Dakota has an especially low rate of syphilis, ranking 44th in the country according to the latest Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the state is 25th for chlamydia, 20th for gonorrhea, and 23rd 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 North Dakota STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost.

North Dakota 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 North Dakota

North Dakota’s reported STDs are generally below average, except for gonorrhea, which is above average. In North Dakota, some underlying causes of increased STDs relate to a complex network of social factors. Some of these factors may include economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources. Trends seen in North Dakota include:

Testing Graph North Dakota

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 North Dakota:

Free STD Testing Centers in North Dakota

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 North Dakota

Which STD has the highest number of cases in North Dakota?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in North Dakota at a rate of 467.4 cases per 100,000 people. But North Dakota ranks highest for Gonorrhea at 20th in the nation and congenital syphilis at 23rd, based on the latest CDC data. However, though the state’s rank for gonorrhea is higher than chlamydia, more than half the number of cases exist.

Is STD testing free in North Dakota?

There are free STD clinics in North Dakota, including Upper Missouri District Health Unit. Other clinics offer sliding fee scales, such as the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, or service charges are based on income and family size, which is the case at Fargo Cass Public Health.

How much does STD testing cost in North Dakota?

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 North Dakota

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.

Many North Dakota STD testing sites at public health clinics offer educational materials and counseling to individuals and groups to promote prevention techniques that help reduce the risk of infection.