Walk in for a quick, confidential STD check. Talk privately with a provider, get tested, and start treatment today if you need it. Most visits take 20-40 minutes, and most results come back in 1-4 days by private phone call.
- ✓ Open 7 days at Steele Creek and Plaza Midwood
- ✓ Same-day treatment, including in-office antibiotic injections
- ✓ Most major insurance accepted: you pay only your usual copay, coinsurance or deductible
- ✓ NC Medicaid: free or $4, depending on your plan
- ✓ No insurance? Self-pay visit starts at $140
STD tests we offer
We test for STDs, also called STIs. We can test you for everything, or your provider can recommend tests based on your symptoms and risk. Just want a routine screening? We’ll recommend the right tests for that too.
Most results in 1-4 days.
| Test | Sample | Self-pay |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia and gonorrhea | Urine or swab | $60 |
| Trichomoniasis | Urine or swab | $100 |
| Syphilis | Blood | $50 |
| HIV 1 and 2 | Blood | $50 |
| Herpes 1 and 2 (blood test) | Blood | $50 |
| Hepatitis panel (A, B and C) | Blood | $150 |
We offer more STI tests when your symptoms or exposure point to them.
STD testing cost in Charlotte: free and low-cost options
Most of our STD patients use insurance or Medicaid and pay little or nothing.
| How you pay | What you pay |
|---|---|
| NC Medicaid | Free or $4, depending on your plan. See Medicaid plans we accept. |
| Insurance | Your usual copay, coinsurance or deductible. |
| Self-pay | Visit $140; added services extra |
STD testing for men and women
- Men: usually a urine sample, plus a blood draw for HIV, syphilis or herpes if needed.
- Women: a urine sample or vaginal swab, plus a blood draw for HIV, syphilis or herpes if needed.
- Throat and rectal swabs are available for anyone after oral or anal sex, since chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the throat or rectum without showing up in a urine test.
What to expect at your STD check
- Save your spot online or walk in. Open 7 days at both clinics.
- Talk privately with a provider about your symptoms, concerns or exposure.
- Get the right tests: urine, a swab and/or a blood draw. Your provider recommends only the tests that fit your symptoms and risk.
- Start treatment today if needed. We give in-office antibiotic injections for common STDs, including ceftriaxone (Rocephin) for gonorrhea, or send a prescription to your pharmacy.
- Get your results by private phone call, most in 1-4 days. Want a copy? We can send it by HIPAA-compliant email or text.
- Know what’s next: follow-up steps and, if you test positive, how to let your partner know and get them treated.
Same-day treatment vs. same-day results
You can start treatment the same day. Most lab results take 1-4 days, depending on the test, because samples go to a certified lab for accurate results. If your symptoms or exposure point to an infection, your provider can treat you before the results are back.
HIV testing and PEP in Charlotte
Our HIV 1 and 2 blood test is covered by most insurance (your usual copay, coinsurance or deductible), or $50 self-pay, with most results in 1-4 days. Your provider can also talk with you about HIV prevention:
- PEP (post-exposure prevention) works only if started within 72 hours of a possible exposure. If that’s you, come in right away.
- PrEP (ongoing prevention) for people at higher risk. Your provider will evaluate whether it’s right for you.
Partner testing and treatment
If you test positive or are treated, your partner should be evaluated too. We see partners at either clinic and can test and treat them if needed. This prevents passing the infection back and forth.
Confidential STD testing: how we protect your privacy
- Results are given only by phone, after we verify your identity
- Copies are sent only if you ask, by HIPAA-compliant email or text
- Judgment-free care: our providers handle sexual health concerns every day
- If you use insurance, the visit may appear on your insurance statement. Paying self-pay keeps it off.
Who should get tested
Get tested if you:
- Have a new partner or multiple partners
- Had sex without a condom or other higher-risk sexual contact
- Have a partner who tested positive or has symptoms
- Are worried about a specific encounter
- Want routine yearly screening, even with no symptoms
- Are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
Many STDs cause no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know.
Symptoms worth getting checked today
- Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina
- Burning or pain when you urinate
- Itching, irritation or swelling in the genital or anal area
- Sores, bumps or blisters on the genitals, mouth or anus
- Lower belly or pelvic pain, or pain during sex
- Testicle pain or swelling
- Rectal pain or discharge, or a sore throat after oral sex
Don’t wait to see if symptoms go away. Some STD symptoms fade while the infection stays.
Common STDs at a glance
Symptoms overlap, and many infections cause none, so only testing tells you which one it is. Tap an infection to see details.
Chlamydia
Common symptoms: Often none; discharge, burning when urinating
How we test: Urine or swab
Treatment: Antibiotics
Gonorrhea
Common symptoms: Discharge, burning when urinating, sore throat; may be none
How we test: Urine or swab (throat swab after oral sex)
Treatment: Antibiotic injection (ceftriaxone), same day
Trichomoniasis
Common symptoms: Itching, discharge with odor, burning; often none in men
How we test: Urine or swab
Treatment: Antibiotic (metronidazole)
Syphilis
Common symptoms: Painless sore; later a rash, often on palms or soles
How we test: Blood
Treatment: Antibiotics; if a penicillin shot is needed, we refer you
Herpes
Common symptoms: Painful blisters or sores, tingling, itching
How we test: Blood test (sore swab available, extra cost)
Treatment: Antivirals, best started early in an outbreak
HIV
Common symptoms: Often none; sometimes a flu-like illness weeks after exposure
How we test: Blood
Treatment: Ongoing treatment; PEP within 72 hours of exposure
Why treating early matters
Most STDs are easy to treat when caught early. Left untreated, some can cause lasting harm:
- Chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, long-term pelvic pain and trouble getting pregnant.
- Syphilis can affect the eyes, nerves, brain and heart over time.
- HIV and hepatitis B and C do best with early treatment. Most hepatitis C is now curable with a short course of pills.
- Any untreated STD can pass to partners, and some can pass to a baby during pregnancy.
Testing takes one short visit, and treatment can start the same day.
Before you come in
- Drink water before your visit: you’ll likely give a urine sample.
- Bring a photo ID, your insurance or Medicaid card, and a list of your medications.
- Save your spot online to skip the wait.
Related services
UTI and urinary symptomsWomen’s health urgent careUrgent care
Medically reviewed by Christopher Lee, MD | Last reviewed
