STD testing is a vital part of sexual health care. Those who are regularly unprotected, have a new partner or notice any unusual symptoms need to get tested immediately.

There are a variety of places to test and treat for STDs. Many of them offer free or low-cost services.

Planned Parenthood

Throughout the country, Planned Parenthood health centers provide essential reproductive care to women of all backgrounds, including those who have historically faced barriers to accessing quality medical care. These patients include people of color, the LGBT community, low-income communities and those without insurance.

Planned Parenthood is a trusted provider of affordable sexual and reproductive health services, an informed educator, and a passionate advocate. It works closely with organizations around the world to break down barriers to sex and reproductive health care, as well as to promote safe sexual and reproductive health policies and rights.

Planned Parenthood is also a strong advocate for the rights of all people, including those who may be facing discrimination or are vulnerable to threats from anti-abortion extremists. Its advocacy and political arm, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, is backed by more than 7 million activists, donors, and supporters in the United States. Local Planned Parenthood advocates and political organizations fight to defend reproductive rights in their own communities.

Citywide Health Centers

If you’re worried about your sexual health, consider getting tested for a number of STIs including chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas, non-gonococcal urethritis, and syphilis. Tests are available at many NYC health centers, as well as through Planned Parenthood.

One of the largest organizations providing sexual health services nationwide, Planned Parenthood provides free and low-cost testing for a variety of STIs at more than 400 locations across the country. They also provide education and other resources to help people protect themselves from these diseases.

The NYC Department of Health operates a number of citywide health centers that offer HIV, hepatitis A and B vaccinations as well as STD testing and treatment. They also offer sliding scale fees for these services, which are often accessible to individuals who lack access to insurance or who don’t have enough money to pay for other types of health care.

The Chelsea Health Center has a dedicated walk-in clinic for STI testing and treatment that can be used by anyone 12 years of age or older without an appointment. They are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

Community Health Centers

Community health centers are a great place to get tested for STDs. They usually offer walk-in testing, a range of financial assistance options and even free STI screening kits.

Unlike general physicians, who provide primary care for patients in a medical office setting, CHCs offer a patient-centered approach and are often located in underserved neighborhoods. They also offer a wide range of health services, including dental and vision care, family planning, lab work, pharmacy and mental health.

They are known for delivering coordinated care and receiving most of their funding from federal grants, Amy Simmons Farber, a spokesperson with the National Association of Community Health Centers tells GoodRx in an email.

They can also be a one-stop shop for your prescription needs, as they often carry discounted medications under the 340B Drug Pricing Program. They’re also an important distribution point for antiviral drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people can’t afford the expensive drugs or don’t have access to them, Simmons Farber says.

New York City Department of Health

The New York City Department of Health offers a number of sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing clinics across the city. These test and treatment centers offer HIV screening, syphilis testing, chlamydia testing and other services for free or at a low cost.

The NYC Department of Health also provides sex education and prevention programs to young people. These classes cover everything from the physical changes of puberty to information on HIV and AIDS.

STIs are very common in NYC and are often undiagnosed. They can lead to serious health problems, such as cervical cancer, infertility and AIDS.

The CDC recommends that all adults aged 13 and above get tested for sexually transmitted diseases, especially if they have been sexually active recently or have a new partner or are experiencing unusual symptoms. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to be tested as well.