While walk-ins may be possible, scheduling an appointment at ThriVe Metro East can reduce your wait time. You are always welcome. Contact us to make your appointment.

ThriVe provides all our services at no cost.

Great question! No, you can access services at ThriVe Metro East regardless of your state of residence. Because our services are offered at no cost to patients, you don’t need to worry about insurance and being in-network. If you’re looking for free STD testing near me, call us to make an appointment

We ask that you bring a photo ID to your visit. What Are STDs and Why Should I Get Tested?

STD testing, or sexually transmitted disease testing (also called STI testing, or sexually transmitted infection), is a way to check for infections that are spread through sexual contact. It’s important to be tested because many STDs can be asymptomatic, meaning you might have an infection without showing any signs or symptoms. 

Left untreated, these infections can lead to severe health problems and even affect your reproductive health. And if you’re considering an abortion, knowing your STD status is crucial because STDs can cause further complications or affect your overall health, if left untreated.1 

Read more about STDs in this blog! What Does STDs Stand For? | ThriVe+

There are over a dozen known STDs,2 but the most common are:

Chlamydia: A bacterial infection of the genital tract that can affect both women and men.3 

Gonorrhea: A bacterial infection that causes disease symptoms in women’s genital tracts. It can also cause symptoms in male and female rectums as well as orally in the throat and mouth.3 

Trichomoniasis: An infection caused by a microscopic parasite. It often affects the vulva, vagina, cervix, or urethra (where urine exits the body).3

Herpes: A viral infection that often causes sores in the genital area, rectum, and mouth. Like many other STDs, this infection can be present without symptoms.3 

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): A viral infection that presents in both early and late stages. Early symptoms may last a few days or weeks, and may not reappear for many years.3 

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A viral infection that can affect a woman’s cervix and may cause warts in the genital and rectal areas, mouth, or throat.3

Syphilis: A bacterial infection that occurs in three stages. It first affects the area where the germs entered (usually the genital, mouth, or rectal area) and later on may affect the brain and heart.3 

And although it’s not an STD, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection that’s more common in women who are sexually active. 4 If you’re in the greater St Louis area, getting free STD testing near me can help you identify infections early and get the treatment you need.

It’s important to note that a person can have an STI without showing symptoms!3 But here are some common symptoms to watch out for:

-abdominal pain in the lower region

-discharge from the penis

-pain or burning sensation while urinating

-rash on the abdomen, hands, or feet

-sex becomes painful

-sores or bumps in the genital, oral, or rectal area

-vaginal bleeding that is new or uncommon

-vaginal discharge with foul odor3

Do I need STD testing if I don’t have symptoms?

Not all STDs show symptoms, but these untreated infections can still cause damage to the body. Some STDs, if left untreated, can have serious consequences for your long-term health. For instance, untreated STDs can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause severe pain, future pregnancy complications, and even infertility.5 Certain types of cancer, such as cervical cancer, can also be linked to untreated STDs. In the worst cases, diseases like HIV/AIDS can be life-threatening.3 STI Testing Metro East STL helps you know your STD status, so you can get the treatment or referrals you need. Often, we can also provide low/no cost treatment here at ThriVe!

It’s very important to have an STD test before an abortion. Untreated infections like gonorrhea or chlamydia can enter the reproductive tract during a period, abortion, or miscarriage. When bacteria enter the reproductive tract, it can lead to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID might not show any symptoms, but can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive organs, chronic pelvic pain, abscesses, and trouble getting pregnant in the future if a woman wants to have children.5

Testing is quick and easy, and you’ll get your results within several days. Here at ThriVe, we send samples to a lab for analysis, so you can feel confident that the results are accurate.

You can get STD testing done at a healthcare facility like ThriVe. It’s essential to know that STI testing is confidential. Medical professionals keep your information private except in the following instances: if you are homicidal, suicidal, under age and being abused, or abusing someone else. In cases like these, we are required by state law to report such instances. Here at ThriVe, we’re non-judgmental and here to help you — never make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. You should always be treated with respect.

Read more about the importance of confidentiality here.

The most effective way to prevent STDs is to delay having sex.3 This means choosing not to engage in any form of sexual contact until you are ready for a committed monogamous relationship.

Limiting sexual partners can reduce the risk of STD transmission, but delaying sex until you’re with a committed, exclusive, long-term partner is the only foolproof way to prevent STDs.3 It’s an option that many people choose, especially when they want to prioritize their health and avoid the potential consequences of STDs. It’s important to remember that you have the right to make decisions about your own body and sexual activity that align with your values and beliefs.

Read more about this here.