Columbus, the most populous city in Ohio and the state capital, had 8,071 new cases of chlamydia, 4,241 gonorrhea infections, and 393 cases of primary and secondary syphilis in 2018. Compared to the last four years, the number of syphilis cases has decreased, but the number of newly reported chlamydia and gonorrhea cases has almost doubled.
According to the report released by the Ohio Department of Health, in 2012, 15-24-year-olds made up around 14% of the Ohio population and 74% of all chlamydia infections and 62% of all gonorrhea infections were diagnosed within this age group.
The fact that 80% of all STIs remain asymptomatic until they reach dangerous stages makes regular testing and timely therapy even more important. If left untreated, both chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause numerous health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease, which can impair your ability to get pregnant. When caught early on, however, these STDs can be cured with simple antibiotics.
STD Testing Options In Columbus, Ohio
In Columbus, Ohio, you have four different STD testing options at your disposal, including at-home screening, online testing with clinics, STD testing at clinics, and free or low-cost STD testing.
If you are looking for an anonymous and discreet STD testing solution, at-home (or direct-to-customer) STD testing providers are the perfect option for you. After receiving your online order, your chosen company will send you a personalized testing kit, wrapped in plain paper without any markings or symbols. Once you receive the kit, all you have to do is collect the relevant sample (saliva, urine or blood), secure it in the container, and mail it back to the lab using the provided pre-paid mailer. Your results will be available online in just a couple of days and you will also have access to in-house doctors who can explain your situation and prescribe medications in case you test positive.
Online testing providers with clinics follow a similar procedural pattern with one exception – the sample collection is performed in a specialized draw center, not in your home. Having said that, the entire procedure takes around 15 minutes and nobody in the clinic will know the actual reason for your visit. Reputable testing companies partner with thousands of clinics nationwide, so you can easily find one near you. Since these are walk-in clinics, you can go whenever you are ready instead of having to make an appointment. Once your sample is delivered to the processing lab, the rest of the procedure is the same as with at-home providers.
Private and state clinics are a viable option as well, but they do have a couple of drawbacks. First of all, making an appointment is a must for the majority of clinics. You will have to wait your turn in overcrowded waiting rooms, not to mention that STD testing departments are usually separated from “regular” clinics. In other words, everyone will know why you are there. Your final report will usually take longer to generate due to congested processing labs. On top of that, it will not be available online, which means you will have to go to the clinic once more to pick it up. In addition to the cost of the test, the total price of the testing will include doctor’s fees and copays for medications as well. Lastly, if you test positive, these clinics will report your STD status and make it a part of your permanent medical record.
Some institutions do offer free STD testing in Columbus, Ohio, but they usually operate on a sliding scale or require visible symptoms associated with common STDs.
| Austin, TX | At-Home STD Testing | Online STD Testing With Clinic | STD Testing At Clinics | Free STD Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $80+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | $24+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | Single tests: $10-$30 w/ insurance; $50-$200 w/o insurance, STD panels: $300-$400 | Free, but you have to qualify |
| Insurance Accepted | N/A | |||
| Sample Collection | Your home | Partnered draw centers | Clinic | Facilities of the testing provider |
| STD Panels Available | ||||
| Appointments | ||||
| Same-Day Testing | Free clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so maybe | |||
| Anonymous Testing | ||||
| Testing Accuracy | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Turnaround Time | 1-5 days | 1-3 days | Up to 2 weeks | Depends on the number of samples in the lab |
| Online results | Rarely | |||
| Free Private Consultations | ||||
| Free Presciptions |
At-Home STD Testing
MyLab Box is a premium online service that allows its users to test potential exposure to STDs without ever leaving their homes. The company features a wide array of reliable FDA-approved single kits and convenient panels and delivers results with 99.99% accuracy in just 1-5 business days. The testing process is 100% discreet and helps you avoid awkward sessions with your doctor, sitting in crowded waiting rooms, and talking about your sex life with strangers.
- True at-home STD testing in Columbus
- Testing kits made in the US
- CLIA-certified labs in all 50 states
- Free shipping
- Free doctor consultations and prescriptions
- Partnership with more than 1,000 pharmacies nationwide
Online STD Testing With Clinic
STDCheck is one of the best STD testing providers on the market with more than 4,500 testing centers nationwide. Unlike regular clinics, it allows you to place your order online, pick the closest draw center, and provide the relevant sample in just 5 minutes without ever waiting in lines, talking about your symptoms or explaining why you suspect potential exposure to STDs.
- 100% confidential testing
- FDA-approved testing solutions/CLIA-certified labs
- Same-day STD testing/results in 1-2 business days
- Individual tests + panels
- Numerous payment options
- STD Test Recommender
- Free doctor consultations + sessions with care advisors
Some of the STDCheck testing centers in Columbus, Ohio include:
LabCorp
4830 Knightsbridge Blvd Ste K, Columbus, OH 43214
(Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM);
56 Westerview Drive, Westerville, OH 43081
(Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Sat 8:00 Am 11:30 PM);
575 Westar Crossing Suite 103, Westerville, OH 43081
(Mon-Fri 8:00 Am – 5:00 PM);
5920 Wilcox Pl, Ste F, Dublin, OH 43016
(Mon-Fri 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM 11:30 PM)
Quest Diagnostics
5130 Bradenton Ave, Ste C, Dublin, OH 43017
(Mon-Fri 8:00 Am 4:30 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM);
50 Old Village Rd Ste 101, Columbus, OH 43228
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM);
99 N Brice Rd North, Ste 150, Columbus, OH 43213
(Mon-Fri 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM)
Medical and Surgical Associates
1930 Tamarack Road, Newark, OH 43055
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
STD Testing At Clinics
Some of the STD testing clinics available in Columbus, Ohio include:
Columbus Public Health Department and Clinic
240 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, United States;
+1 614-645-7772
Safe Point
1267 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222, United States;
+1 614-460-1406
ARCpoint Labs of Columbus Metro
1335 Dublin Rd Suite 118E, Columbus, OH 43215, United States;
+1 614-484-5115
Free STD Testing
Free and low-cost STD testing options in Columbus, Ohio include:
AHF Wellness Center, Columbus
1230 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, United States;
+1 614-291-2680
Equitas Health Short North Medical Center
1033 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201, United States;
+1 614-340-6777
Equitas Health Clintonville
4400 N High St #300, Columbus, OH 43214, United States;
+1 614-299-2437
Equitas Health King, Lincoln Medical Center
750 E Long St #3000, Columbus, OH 43203, United States;
+1 614-340-6700
Columbus Public Health
240 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43215, United States;
+1 614-645-7417
Columbus also features 4 Planned Parenthood offices:
3255 E Main St, Columbus, OH 43213, United States;
+1 614-222-3531
18 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201, United States;
+1 614-222-3604
1511 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43222, United States;
+1 614-222-3525
206 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215, United States;
+1 800-230-7526