STD Testing in Oregon

Getting tested for STDs in Oregon can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially STDs with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STD infections in Oregon increased dramatically over the last decade, so much so that STDs in Oregon are at epidemic levels. According to the CDC, one in every five people in the U.S. has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Data for Oregon shows that STD cases in many cities and counties are higher than the U.S. average.

Many STDs are curable. For those that aren’t, treatments are usually available to help manage symptoms and prevent you from passing them onto 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 Oregon STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. Washington County Health and Human Services offers free testing, and Linn County Public Health offers a full suite of sexual health services.

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Oregon 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 Oregon

STD cases in Oregon reached a new high in 2020. Chlamydia infections remained roughly the same from 2019, but gonorrhea and syphilis diagnoses increased sharply. Over the period from 2008 to 2020, STD diagnoses in Oregon have increased annually. STD infections in major centers in counties such as Multnomah (Portland), Benton, Jefferson, and Malheur are 50% higher than for the rest of Oregon. Dramatic STD trends in Oregon include:

Testing Graph Oregon

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 generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in Oregon:

Oregon Community STD Testing Centers

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in Oregon

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Oregon?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Oregon at a rate of 376.0 cases per 100,000 people in the state.

Is STD testing free in Oregon?

There are free STD clinics in Oregon, including at Washington County Health and Human Services.

How much does STD testing cost in Oregon?

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 Oregon

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. You’ll find numerous authoritative resources at the state and national level that provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.

Sources

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