According to Denver Public Health, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are rising in Denver, CO for the fourth consecutive year. STDs can lead to severe complications like infertility if left untreated at an earlier stage. As the symptoms of STDs also do not show up in the early stage of infection, we highly recommend every sexually active person to get tested for STD screening at least once a year.
The article below covers all the significant topics related to sexually transmitted diseases in Denver, CO like STD testing cost, oral STDs, the most common STDs in Denver, how to check for STDs, preparation, treatment, complications, and where to get tested for STDs.
- STD Testing Cost in Denver
- What are STDs?
- How are STDs Transmitted?
- Oral STD
- What are the most common STDs found in Denver?
- What are the signs and symptoms of STDs?
- How to check for STDs?
- Is there any preparation required before the STD testing?
- Where to get tested for STDs?
- STD treatment
- Is STD curable?
- What are the methods to prevent STDs?
For our readers, who are very much interested in knowing the STD testing cost in Denver, Colorado we would like to begin with that section.
How much does STD testing cost in Denver, CO?
STD testing cost ranges between $14 and $444 in different labs and facilities across Denver. The cost of STD testing also depends on the choice of your specific STD testing or testing for all the STDs (STD panel). No prior appointment is required. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours or shop the STD home testing kit. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days.
The following table shows the STD home test kit and STD testing cost in Denver, Colorado at 3 of our partner laboratories (CLIA–Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
STD Check Labs
| Starting from
|
LetsGetChecked(Home Test Kit)
| Starting from
|
HealthLabs
| Starting from$24 |
STD testing
STDs require two stages of testing.
1. Screening test: The screening test is done to check the presence of microorganisms in the body that cause STD. The results may be positive or negative.
2. Diagnostic test: If the screening test results are positive, further diagnostic tests will be performed to know the exact stage of infection.
STD testing cost in Denver with insurance
Many health insurance policies in Denver do not cover the cost of STD screening tests. But they might cover the cost of the additional diagnostic tests performed. However, the coverage offered by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid varies widely. So we recommend you to check the coverage of your health insurance plan before getting tested for STDs.
Our STD testing providers in Denver, CO offer the screening tests for all the STDs. Although our STD testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance plan, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and CPT code that is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What are STDs and how are they transmitted?
STDs refer to Sexually Transmitted Diseases and also known as Venereal Diseases. Sexually transmitted diseases are infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeast, and parasites. These microorganisms grow in the genital areas as they are generally moist and warm and spread through sexual contact. There are more than 20 types of common STDs such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes, Hepatitis, HIV, Trichomoniasis, and HPV that affect both men and women.
Transmission
STDs are generally transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and sometimes through blood contact or skin contact with the infected person. In some rare cases, you may get a sexually transmitted infection when you come into close contact with the moist objects like towels, wet clothing, or toilet seats of the infected person. A pregnant woman infected with an STD can easily pass the disease to her child at birth.
Oral STD
Oral STD is nothing but getting a sexually transmitted infection through oral sex. Oral sex is stimulating the genitals using the mouth and tongue. Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and Oral Herpes are the most common oral STDs found in the U.S. Oral STDs generally affect the mouth and throat of both men and women. The most common symptoms of oral STD are fever blisters, sore, and painful throat.
What are the most common STDs found in Denver, CO?
The most common STDs found in Denver are
1. Chlamydia
Chlamydia, caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted disease. This disease can be cured only if it is diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage of infection. Some people may get Chlamydia infection in the eye which is called Eye Chlamydia. This happens when you touch your eye without washing your hands after sex. Chlamydia-infected people never show or experience any symptoms for several weeks but Chlamydia in a severe condition can damage the reproductive system in both men and women. The common symptoms of Chlamydia infection are
- Unusual genital discharges
- Frequent urination
- Pain during urination
- Vaginal bleeding in women
2. Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is also referred to as “The Clap” and is caused by the bacterium Neisseria Gonorrhea. It can be experienced with Chlamydia simultaneously. Most people get a gonorrhea infection in the throat. Some people with Gonorrhea infection do not notice any symptoms but if it is left untreated it may result in some serious complications. Some of the common symptoms found in Gonorrhea infected people are
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Pain during urination
- Abnormal genital discharges
- Testicular pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Gonorrhea can be treated using antibiotics at an earlier stage of infection. It leads to infertility in both men and women if it is left untreated.
3. Syphilis
Syphilis is one of the most common STDs found in Denver and it is caused by the bacterium called Treponema Pallidum. Men having sex with men are more prone to syphilis infection. There are four stages of Syphilis infection namely primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages. The primary and secondary stages of Syphilis infection are the most infectious stages while the latent stage does not show any symptoms as the bacteria remain inactive. The tertiary stage is the last and the advanced stage which is life-threatening.
In the initial stage, a painless sore called chancre appears on the moist genital areas and rectum showing that bacterium has entered into the body. Symptoms vary according to the different stages of infection. The primary and secondary stages can be treated easily with a penicillin injection. During the tertiary stage, syphilis may lead to death causing damages to your brain, nerves, eyes, and heart. Syphilis-infected people are at a higher risk of getting HIV infection. The common symptoms other than sores are
- Headache
- Loss of hair
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Pain in the joints
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Paralysis
4. Herpes
Herpes is a viral infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). Oral herpes (HSV 1) and genital herpes (HSV 2) are the two types of herpes infection. Oral herpes is commonly found in most Americans. It affects the mouth and the face while genital herpes affects the genital areas. Sharing lip balm, eating in the same utensils are some of the reasons for getting oral herpes. Genital herpes spreads when you have unprotected sex with the infected person. Herpes cannot be cured completely but the symptoms can be monitored, controlled, and managed. Herpes includes the following symptoms
- Blister
- Ulcer
- Pain while urinating
- Discharges from vagina
- Lymph nodes
- Headaches
- Fever
- Appetite loss
What are the signs and symptoms of STDs?
Most people with a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) do not show any signs or symptoms in their earlier stages of infection. So we recommend every sexually active young person to consult a physician if you suspect having an STD or feeling to be exposed to it. Some of the common signs and symptoms of STD are
Symptoms in women
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pain during urination
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
Symptoms in men
- Thick penile discharge
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Swelling and pain in the testicles
- Itching in the anus
- Irritation in the penis
- Painful bowel movements
Common symptoms
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain in the joints
- Jaundice
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Unusual night sweat
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
How to check for STDs?
There are different tests available to check for STDs. To check for STD, your physician may ask you to take a particular test depending on your sexual medical history and symptoms. You may be asked to take a sample of blood or urine or a sample taken using a cotton swab in the infected area such as mouth, throat, vagina, anus, or penis.
The right time to test for STDs
For more accurate results, physicians recommend waiting for at least a week after the initial exposure. Some STDs like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can be tested after a week of infection while some STDs like HIV require a minimum period of 2 months to be tested. This window period is to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
STD causes, symptoms, risks, and treatment explained in a short 2 minutes video:
Is there any preparation required before the STD testing?
There is no special preparation required for the STD testing that requires a blood sample. Only STDs such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea will be tested using the urine sample. For the urine sample, it is compulsory not to urinate for at least one hour before taking the sample. There is no constraint on the diet.
Where to get tested for STDs?
You can get tested for STDs anywhere in Denver nearest to your location. Book your test online, visit the nearest lab anytime during the lab working hours without any prior appointment. After you have taken the test, the test results will be confidentially emailed to you within 2 to 3 working days.
You can also get tested for STDs at your home using an STD home test kit, if you do not have time to visit the lab or if you feel uncomfortable taking the STD test in a commonplace. Order your STD home testing kit online, take the required sample by reading the instructions mentioned in the kit and post the sample back to the given address. The test results will be emailed to you within 5 working days. However, the turnaround of results depends on the receipt of the sample in the lab.
How are STDs treated?
STDs are treated with the help of antibiotics at the earlier stage of infection. Penicillin injection can be used to treat syphilis infection. It is very important to consume all the drugs prescribed by your physician even after the symptoms go away. In the case of incurable STDs, there are some anti-retroviral drugs that can control and manage the symptoms.
Is STD curable?
All the STDs are not curable. Bacteria causing STDs like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis can be cured at their earlier stages of infection. Viral infections like HIV, Herpes, and Hepatitis can be controlled and managed but cannot be cured completely. Once infected with these viruses, they will remain with you for your lifetime.
What are the methods to prevent STDs?
- Regular vaccinations
- Routine STD testing
- Practicing monogamy – not having sex with strangers or people other than your husband/wife
- Not sharing the towels and underclothing
To prevent reinfection, we recommend you to do a post-check after 1 month of your past treatment and also do not practice sex again until you get cured completely.
To get tested for sexually transmitted diseases in any other part of the US, check here STD Test Cost in the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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