STD Testing in South Dakota

Getting tested for STDs in South 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 South Dakota has an especially high rate of gonorrhea, ranking seventh in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state is ranked 29th for chlamydia, 36th for primary and secondary syphilis, and 21st 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 South 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. Sioux Falls HIV/AIDS and STD Testing Field Office offers free testing, and Fall River County Family Reproductive Health Program offers a full suite of sexual health services at sliding scale rates.

South 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 South Dakota

STDs are a growing public health concern in South Dakota because rates have increased statewide. Of the commonly reported infectious diseases in South Dakota, STDs are the most prevalent, with chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis being the most reported. All three STDs have increased over the last 10 years, but the largest surge has been recorded in syphilis infections.

While better screening programs and technology may partly explain some increases in STDs, the state’s upward trend is highly concerning. Some notable trends in South Dakota over the last decade and in recent years include:

Testing Graph South 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 South Dakota:

Free STD Testing Centers in South 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 South Dakota

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

Chlamydia is the most common STD in South Dakota at a rate of 457.1 cases per 100,000 people. But South Dakota ranks highest for gonorrhea at seventh in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 274.0 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in South Dakota?

There are free STD clinics in South Dakota, including at the Sioux Falls HIV/AIDS and STD Testing Field Office.

How much does STD testing cost in South 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 South Dakota

Get connected with authoritative resources on a state and national level that can provide a wealth of educational materials so you can learn more about STDs. Many of these resources offer in-depth details about individual STDs, including symptoms, risk reduction and prevention, and testing options.