STD Testing in Pennsylvania

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Pennsylvania 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 a national concern, though Pennsylvania has lower rates than most states, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state is 37th for chlamydia, 38th for gonorrhea, 32nd for syphilis, and 39th 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 you can know for sure if you have an STD and get the treatment you need to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous Pennsylvania STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. These include AIDS Resource Alliance, which has provided services and support to people with HIV/AIDS since 1988, and Project Silk, which provides sexual health education and free STI and HIV testing.

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s reported STDs are generally below average, except for syphilis, which is above average. In Pennsylvania, some of the 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 Pennsylvania include:

Testing Graph Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania:

Free STD Testing Centers in Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Pennsylvania?

STD rates are lower in Pennsylvania than in other states. Syphilis is the most common, ranking 32nd in the country at a rate of 8.2 per 100,000 people. Chlamydia cases fall at a rate of 408.3 per 100,000 individuals.

Is STD testing free in Pennsylvania?

There are free STD clinics in Pennsylvania, including Project Silk and AIDS Resource Alliance.

How much does STD testing cost in Pennsylvania?

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 testing for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

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, but other tests may take up to a week to return results, particularly bacterial testing including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in Pennsylvania

In addition to getting fast, affordable, and reliable testing, it’s important to find quality educational resources that can help you learn about the common signs and symptoms of STDs. Below, you can find a broad selection of authoritative resources that can help you get the information you need to protect and maintain your sexual health.