Categories > Guides and Tips
STD Testing in Portland: What You Need to Know
Reproductive health is a key part of physical health, and taking STD tests is one way to protect it. Fortunately, in Portland, there are resources for free and inexpensive STD testing you can take advantage of.
But first, here are the essentials you need to know.
What STD tests do you need?
One of the most critical things you can do to secure your health if you engage in sexual activity is to get tested for STDs. We suggest that you have an open conversation with your doctor to be able to acquire the right test you need.
So what STD testing is done in Portland and which tests do you need?
Well, here is an overview of STD testing recommendations based on various factors.
| Demographic | Recommended STD Tests |
| Ages 13 to 64 | • Once for HIV |
| Sexually active women (younger than 25 years) | • Every year for gonorrhea and chlamydia |
| Pregnant women | • Test for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy |
| Sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men | • Once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea (those with multiple partners should be tested frequently • Once a year for HIV • Once a year for hepatitis C if living with HIV |
| Engages in sexual activity that is at risks for infection | • Once a year HIV test |
| People engaging in oral or anal sex | • Talk to your doctor about throat and rectal testing options |
When should you take an STD test?
Unlike annual eye exams, STD testing isn’t something you can regularly schedule unless you have an active sex life.
The thing is, talking to your health care provider about being tested is necessary if you’ve had sexual contact with someone else and you detect any symptoms of an STD.
However, you should be aware that different STDs have different symptoms. Nevertheless, here are the common signs to look out for:
- When you find some sores or bumps on and around your genitals, as well as on your thighs or butt cheeks
- When you feel a burning sensation whenever you pee
- When there’s this some sort of itchiness, soreness, inflammation, or swelling in your penis, vagina, vulva, or anus
- When you’ve had flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, swollen glands, and fatigue
With all these being said, bear in mind that things other than STDs may be responsible for all of these symptoms. Therefore, the only way to know for sure what’s going on is to get tested.
Where can you get STD testing in Portland?
You can get STD testing from the same agencies that provide STI testing. It’s not as easy as shopping around for window coverings, though, so do take your time going through options.
- Doctor’s office – If you’re looking for urgent testing, you can make an appointment with your private doctor/health care provider.
- Local health clinic/facility – This could be your option if you worry about your financial capability since the majority of government-funded medical facilities offer STI/STD testing for free or at a favorable cost.
- Pharmacy – Although not all of them, some pharmacies do give you an opportunity to schedule STI and STD testing. However, this is a limited option.
