Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
In 2015, Rhode Island was ranked 41st in the United States for new HIV diagnoses, while other STDs were even more prevalent throughout the state. Although this may seem insignificant, it’s important to remember that Rhode Island is the smallest state geographically and among the least densely populated in the country. Several factors contributed to an increased rate of STDs in the state. This includes socioeconomic inequality that results in reduced access to testing, health care, and information. STD trends seen throughout Rhode Island include:
| STD Trends in Rhode Island | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| State rank | Cases | Rate per 100,000 population | |
| Chlamydia | 34th | 4,714 | 445.0 |
| Gonorrhea | 39th | 1,339 | 132.1 |
| Syphilis | 7th | 89 | 8.4 |
| Congenital syphilis | 6th | 1 | 9.8 |
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:
| Who should get tested | How often to test |
|---|---|
| Anyone who is sexually active | At least once for HIV and more often if you have new partners |
| Sexually active women under 25 or women 25+ with new or multiple sex partners or a partner with an STD | Annually for gonorrhea and chlamydia |
| Pregnant women | During pregnancy for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B and C, chlamydia, gonorrhea |
| Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men |
|
| Anyone who has unsafe sex or shares injection drug equipment | Annually for HIV and Hepatitis B and C |
| People who have had oral or anal sex | Discuss throat and rectal testing with your health care provider |
STD Testing in Rhode Island:
Free STD Testing Centers in Rhode Island
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.
- Agape Community Care Alliance
Address: 292 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI 02907Number: (401) 572-3800 - AIDS Project Rhode Island
Address: 55 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906Number: (401) 831-5522 - Lifespan Free STD Testing
Address: 557 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02907Number: (401) 781-0665 - Planned Parenthood of Rhode Island
Address: 175 Broad Street, Providence, RI 02903Number: (401) 421-9620 - Rhode Island STD Clinic at The Miriam Hospital
Address: 180 Corliss Street, Providence, RI 02906Number: (401) 793-4715