STD Testing in Rhode Island

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

According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) STD Surveillance State Ranking report, Rhode Island has a lower rate of STDs than other states. The state ranks No. 34 for chlamydia, No. 39 for gonorrhea, No. 30 for syphilis, and had one reported congenital syphilis case in 2020.

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 Rhode Island STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. The Rhode Island STD Clinic at The Miriam Hospital offers free testing, and Planned Parenthood offers a full suite of sexual health services, along with interpreters if you let them know in advance.

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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:

Testing Graph Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island:

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Rhode Island?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Rhode Island at a rate of 455.0 cases per 100,000 people in the state.

Is STD testing free in Rhode Island?

There are free STD clinics in Rhode Island, including the Rhode Island STD Clinic at The Miriam Hospital.

How much does STD testing cost in Rhode Island?

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 Rhode Island

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.

Sources

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