Planned Parenthood STD Testing: What to Expect

Planned Parenthood provides comprehensive STD testing including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis at locations across the US. It uses a sliding-scale fee based on income, does not require insurance, and offers testing alongside contraception, gynecological exams, and other sexual health services in the same visit. Testing locations are also available privately — with no appointment — in Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, Chicago, and Miami.

What STD Tests Planned Parenthood Offers

Standard panels at most locations include chlamydia and gonorrhea NAAT (urine or swab), HIV testing (rapid on-site and/or 4th generation lab), syphilis (RPR serology), herpes IgG (blood test, may require specific request), hepatitis B and C (blood test), and trichomoniasis (NAAT or wet prep). Services vary significantly by location — not all tests are available at all Planned Parenthood centers. Call your local clinic or check their website to confirm what’s offered before visiting. Multi-site testing (rectal and throat swabs) may be available but requires disclosure of sexual history and a specific request.

Cost: Sliding-Scale Fee Structure

Planned Parenthood uses a sliding-scale fee based on income and family size. Patients with lower incomes may pay little or nothing. Those with higher incomes pay fees closer to standard rates. Insurance is accepted at most locations and many tests are covered under the ACA’s preventive care mandate (annual chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for women under 25 and HIV screening must be covered without cost-sharing). Uninsured patients are encouraged to apply for Medicaid or equivalent state programs. Ask about the sliding-scale schedule specifically when you call — costs vary by location, test, and income.

How to Get Tested at Planned Parenthood

Find your nearest location at plannedparenthood.org. Some locations accept walk-ins; others require appointments. Wait times vary. At the appointment: intake including sexual history, urine collection, blood draw if needed, physical exam if indicated, and rapid HIV results on-site if available. NAAT results return in 1 to 5 business days depending on the location’s lab arrangement. You’ll receive results through the patient portal or by phone.

Planned Parenthood vs Private Direct-Access Testing

Planned Parenthood: lower cost (sliding-scale), integrated care (can address contraception, PrEP, and gynecology in one visit), longer wait times, may not have same-day appointments in busy areas. Private direct-access testing: out-of-pocket cost with no sliding scale, results in 1 to 2 days, no appointment required, no integrated medical care. Both use equivalent NAAT and serology testing quality.

For fast comprehensive STD testing with results in 1 to 2 days, Health Test Express offers no-appointment panels without a GP referral.

When to Seek Testing Urgently

• Possible HIV exposure within the last 72 hours: go to an ER for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) — do not wait for a Planned Parenthood appointment.

• Symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease (pelvic pain, fever, abnormal bleeding): same-day evaluation — PID requires prompt antibiotic treatment.

• Painful genital sores or ulcers: same-day evaluation at any sexual health clinic or ER — do not wait for lab results before being seen.

• Pregnancy with possible STD exposure: contact your OB or midwife the same day — untreated STDs in pregnancy carry serious risks for the fetus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need insurance for Planned Parenthood STD testing?

No. Planned Parenthood accepts uninsured patients and uses a sliding-scale fee structure. You’ll pay based on your income, not your insurance status.

How quickly do Planned Parenthood STD results come back?

Rapid HIV: 20 minutes on-site. NAAT (chlamydia, gonorrhea): 1 to 5 business days depending on location. Blood tests (syphilis, herpes, hepatitis): 1 to 5 business days. Private labs typically return results in 1 to 2 days.

Can men get tested at Planned Parenthood?

Yes. Planned Parenthood serves all genders. Men can access STD testing, HIV testing, and other sexual health services at most locations.

Related: Planned Parenthood STD testing cost · How to find affordable STD testing · Get tested today