Free STD Testing Near You in Boston, MA

If you’re feeling stressed about your sexual health, a simple way to breathe easier is to get tested. Here’s how it works. To start, answer a few simple questions to receive your doctor-recommended panel of STD tests. Next, choose the lab most convenient for you from our network of thousands nationwide. No appointment is needed and the test usually takes 30 minutes or less. After that’s done, you can enjoy your free time by strolling along the Charles or making a visit to Faneuil Hall. You’ll be notified of test results in three business days or less in a confidential, secure manner. Doctor follow up is available if you have any questions, would like to discuss your diagnosis or to prescribe treatment, if appropriate and if allowed by state law.

Boston and Suffolk County is the area with the highest incidences of HIV infections in the state, with about 37% of all reported cases according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In addition to a climbing chlamydia rate, gonorrhea saw an increase in rate of infection in 2012 as well.² Our service offers testing for 8 of the most common STDs diagnosed nationwide. In addition to HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea, tests are available for herpes 1 &2,  primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis, as well as hepatitis B and C. Free clinics might offer these tests, but availability could be subject to location or timing of the appointment. Get the tests you need when you need them with STDtest.com.

In Boston, many common sexually transmitted diseases are seeing slight increases in infection rate year over year. One of the simplest and most effective ways to curb the upward climb of these rates is through STD testing. Although HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea reported cases are trending upward, one downward trend in the Boston area is a decrease in primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases. For the first time in ten years, the reported rate of this sexually transmitted infection decreased by 14% in 2012, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. However, the population of men who have sex with men still report an occurrence of P&S syphilis cases at epidemic levels (more than 1% affected in a given population).²

New infections of HIV and AIDS in the Boston area has seen relative stability over the past decade. In the state of Massachusetts, Boston ranked 3rd for the rate of new infections reported. The incidence of the virus being passed from mother to child during childbirth has also decreased significantly in the past decade and a half, with the state reporting of infections in both 2012 and 2013. Testing and treatment are significant factors in keeping HIV rates at stable or declining rates.²

The Massachusetts legislature passed a statute into law regarding sexual education across the state in November of 2015, to go into effect during the 2016-2017 school year. Bill S.2048 speaks to “age appropriate” sexual education curriculum to be administered, with an option for all parents or guardians to receive written notification of sexual education courses to be taught at school and the opportunity to opt their children out should them deem necessary.⁴

The provisions for this curriculum include an integration of the topics of HIV/AIDS, prevention of STDs that are reviewed to be both medically accurate and age appropriate. This clarification of the aims of sexual education and how it should be administered in schools shows an investment in the state’s interest in lowering STD rates through education. The CDC reports that nearly half of all STDs reported in one year fall into the 15-24 age demographic,² making it even more crucial for local and state governments to push for education initiatives that encourage discussion and inform young people about their health, smart choices to make, and options for when they are at risk. Another STD in the area showing significant signs of decrease is hepatitis B, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s surveillance report.

For an age group so affected by the spread of sexually transmitted disease, getting informed about health choices and knowing the causes for concern is an important part of decreasing the number of infections in the local community. Making individuals aware of the testing options available helps to ensure a generation knowledgeable of their status.

The demographic distribution of sexually transmitted diseases in Boston in comparable to similar metropolitan areas across the country. The population most directly affected is the African American community. According to the Infectious Disease Bureau of the Boston Public Health Commission, African Americans make up 6% of the general population but account for 31% of HIV cases. A similar disparity exists in the Hispanic community. This demographic accounts for 9% of the general population and for 21% of all HIV cases.³

The age group most affected by chlamydia is 15-24 year olds, and the disease affects more women than men. The highest instance is seen in 15-19 year old women, with a reported case rate of 3,693.4/100,000 people. On average, gonorrhea infections are more common in males than females, with the exception of the 15-19 age demographic. Syphilis infections are reported in higher numbers for males than females and the most common age demographic is age 40-49.¹

Getting tested and treated is the most effective way to decrease the spread of sexually transmitted diseases in Suffolk County, including the greater Boston area. Knowing your options for STD testing is imperative in making the best choice for you. STDtest.com is a confidential, affordable and efficient option that works with our patients to customize the healthcare experience to better fit their needs.

Waiting for STD test results can be cause for anxiety, so why not lessen the load and get started with STDtest.com? We partner with CLIA-certified labs to administer FDA-approved testing to deliver the best healthcare that’s patient focused and delivered in a convenient time frame. Privacy is our top priority. Boston, we’re looking out for you by providing an innovative, streamlined STD testing accompanied by exemplary follow-up care. It’s for your better health.

References:

1 Health of Boston Report – Sexual Health
2 Massachusetts STD, HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Surveillance Report: 2014
3 Boston EMA HIV/AIDS Epidemiologic Profile
4 An Act Relative to Healthy Youth