STD Testing in Washington D.C.

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the District of Columbia 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 in Washington, D.C., the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited a chlamydia rate of 908.7 per 100,000 people and a gonorrhea rate of 549.6 per 100,000. Incidences of syphilis and congenital syphilis were fewer, with rates of 35 and 33 per 100,000 individuals.

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 District of Columbia STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Planned Parenthood Carol Whitehill Moses Medical Center offers a full suite of sexual health services, including interpreters if you request one in advance. AHF Wellness provides free STD and HIV testing. At DC Health and Wellness Center, no one will be turned away due to their inability to pay.

Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.

The District of Columbia’s reported STDs are average. In Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C. include:

Testing Graph District Columbia

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 Washington D.C.:

Free STD Testing Centers in Washington D.C.

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 the District of Columbia

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C.’s most prevalent STD is chlamydia, with 908.7 cases per 100,000 people, followed by gonorrhea with 549.6 cases per 100,000. There are fewer cases of syphilis, at a rate of 35.0 per 100,000 individuals and 33.0 cases per 100,000.

Is STD testing free in the District of Columbia?

There are free and low-cost STD clinics in California, including Planned Parenthood Carol Whitehill Moses Medical Center, which offers a sliding fee scale, and AHF Wellness, which offers free STD and HIV testing.

How much does STD testing cost in Washington, D.C.?

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 Washington, D.C.

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.