Free STD Testing Clinics in Cambridge, MA

STD Testing in Cambridge, Massachusetts (Middlesex County)

Cambridge, like many cities or towns in Massachusetts, is monitoring a significant but often overlooked public health issue—sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Just like in other parts of Massachusetts, the rates of infections of syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV and chlamydia in Cambridge need to be watched. According to the CDC’s most recent STD Surveillance Report in 2022, individuals aged 20-24 remain the most affected group across the country. Cambridge, with its young population and proximity to universities such as the Harvard University, with 49,000 students, and Boston University, with 44,000 students, is not immune to these infections.

In 2022 alone, Middlesex County, Massachusetts' population of approximately 1,623,952, reported nearly 1,608 cases of gonorrhea and over 4,973 cases of chlamydia, ranking 2nd and 2nd respectively in the state. This reflects a growing need for prevention, education, and accessible testing. Middlesex County also reported 85 new cases of HIV in 2022, with a rate of 6.1 per 100,000.

Fortunately, residents of Cambridge have access to a variety of low-cost or affordable STD testing options and information provided by local clinics and the Massachusetts Department of Health. You can reach out to Cambridge Health Alliance (Cambridge Teen Health Center) at 459 Broadway or Cambridge Health Alliance (Zinberg Clinic) at 1493 Cambridge St, and learn more about their testing capabilities and costs. Early detection through regular testing is key to managing and preventing the spread of these infections.

For those who test positive, timely treatment can often cure infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. For others, like herpes or HIV, effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Addressing this issue through awareness and healthcare access remains essential for safeguarding the health of Cambridge's residents.

STD Testing Locations in Cambridge, MA

Cambridge Health Alliance (Cambridge Teen Health Center)

Testing Offered: Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

459 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138 US

(617) 665-1548

https://www.challiance.org/location/cambridge-teen-health-center

Monday: 8:00am To 4:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 4:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 4:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 4:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 3:00pm

Cambridge Health Alliance (Zinberg Clinic)

Testing Offered: Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

1493 Cambridge St, 2nd Fl Cambridge, MA 02139 US

(617) 665-1606

https://www.challiance.org/locations/cambridge/cha-zinberg-clinic-cambridge-hospital

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (Youth on Fire)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test

1 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138 US

(617) 661-2508

https://www.aac.org/youth-on-fire

Monday: 11:00am To 5:45pm, Tuesday: 11:00am To 5:45pm, Wednesday: 11:00am To 5:45pm, Friday: 11:00am To 5:45pm

AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts (Cambridge Office)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

359 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139 US

(617) 661-3040

https://www.aac.org

Monday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 9:00am To 5:00pm

Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (Cambridge)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

1046 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139 US

(617) 864-7600

https://www.maps-inc.org

Monday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 9:00am To 5:00pm

Cambridge Health Alliance (Union Square Family Health)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

26 Central St, Somerville, MA 02143 US

(617) 665-3370

https://www.challiance.org/locations/somerville/cha-union-square-family-health

Monday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 5:00pm

Cambridge Health Alliance (Windsor Street Care Center)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

119 Windsor St, Cambridge, MA 02139 US

(617) 665-3600

https://www.challiance.org/location/windsor-street-care-center

Monday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 10:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 5:00pm

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA Somerville Campus)

Testing Offered: Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

33 Tower St, Somerville, MA 02143 US

(617) 591-4500

https://www.challiance.org/locations/somerville/cha-somerville-campus

STD Testing Options in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In Cambridge there are many options for STD testing;

Private Clinic:
Checking out a private clinic is a reliable method for getting tested for STDs in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This choice has its advantages because you don’t require an appointment, the tests cover a range of infections, there are over 6,000 locations across the country, and results come back within 1-2 days. Your privacy is fully protected.

Local Clinics:
Cambridge, Massachusetts has clinics that offer low cost or free STD testing services. Appointments may be necessary, and the timing for receiving results can vary. It’s advisable to contact them for information on costs, operating hours and appointment procedures.

At-Home STD Testing:
Opting for at-home STD testing kits offers a convenient and private way to conduct your std tests. You can purchase a kit online or from stores/pharmacies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, collect your sample in the comfort of your home and send it to a lab for analysis. The process can take up to 10 days with some companies offering different test panels vs. others.

At-Home STD Testing Kits

You can opt for at home STD testing kits as they provide a convenient and private method to screen for sexually transmitted infections without the need to visit a clinic. These kits are perfect for individuals who prefer managing their health from the comfort of their home.

How It Works:

Select Your Kit: Pick a kit either online or at a Cambridge, Massachusetts store depending on the infections you wish to screen for. Some kits target infections such as syphilis while others offer a wider panel, for testing multiple STIs.
Collect Your Sample: Follow the instructions to collect a sample – this could involve providing urine, a finger-prick blood sample, or using a swab on the genitals, throat, or rectum.
Send It In: Use the prepaid envelope to send your sample to the lab.
Receive Results: Get your results within a few days through a secure online portal, phone, or app.
Next Steps: After receiving a test result various services are available to provide assistance, such as consultations with healthcare experts, treatment choices or recommendations for care. It is advisable to schedule a follow up appointment with your primary healthcare provider for further consultation and guidance.

Why Choose At-Home Testing Kits:

Privacy: Test at home without visiting a clinic.
Convenience: No need for appointments or travel.

Things to Consider:

Panel Size: Ensure the kit covers all the STIs you want to test for.
Speed: Taking the test(s) and mail time may delay results vs. clinic options.

What STDs Can You Get Tested For?

Knowing which STD tests are necessary is important for your well-being. Viral infections are chronic and can be managed with available medications and therapies. Bacterial infections may require retesting to ensure that treatments have been effective as expected.

STD	Type of Infection	How It’s Tested	When to Restest
Oral Herpes	Viral	Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Genital Herpes	Viral	Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
HIV	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Gonorrhea	Bacterial	Blood, swab, or urine tests	3 Months post treatment
Chlamydia	Bacterial	Blood, swab, or urine tests	2 Weeks post treatment
Syphilis	Bacterial	Blood tests	3 Months post treatment
Hepatitis A	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Hepatitis B	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Hepatitis C	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Trichomoniasis	Parasitic	Urine test	2 Weeks post treatment

STD Testing FAQ’s for Cambridge, Massachusetts

How do I know if I have an STD?

When should you test for STDs?

What do STD test panels test for?

How much do STD tests cost in Cambridge?

Can you get same-day STD tests in Cambridge?

How fast do you get STD test results in Cambridge?

Are appointments needed for STD testing in Cambridge?

How do I know if I have an STD?

If you’ve been sexually active, it’s important for your sexual health to know if you have an STD. You may experience some of the more common symptoms if you have an infection:

Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
Pain or a burning sensation during urination or sex.
Sores, bumps, or rashes in the genital area, mouth, or anus.
Persistent itching in the genital area.
Swelling or redness in the genital area.

It’s critical to know that many STDs can be asymptomatic, with some diseases up to 80% being undetected per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). To avoid worsening symptoms or infecting partners, get tested for confirmation. Positive test results are really the only true way of determining an infection. Regular testing is crucial, especially if you have multiple partners or are engaging in unprotected sex.

When should you test for STDs?

STD	Incubation Period After Exposure
Oral Herpes	2–12 days
Genital Herpes	2–12 days
HIV	2–4 weeks
Gonorrhea	2-7 days
Chlamydia	7–21 days
Syphilis	10 – 90 days
Hepatitis A	15–50 days
Hepatitis B	4–25 weeks
Hepatitis C	2 weeks – 6 months
Trichomoniasis (Trich)	5–28 days

What do STD test panels test for?

The most comprehensive 10-test panel will provide a confirmation of infection status across different bacterial or viral diseases, including HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen), herpes type 1 & type 2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

How much do STD tests cost in Cambridge?

STD testing costs can vary widely in Cambridge based on the type of test(s) you purchase, speed of results and appointment times, and location.

Private STD testing offers walk-in appointments, comprehensive test panels and fast results. You can expect to pay no more than $250 to get a 10-test panel in Cambridge. Results are delivered quickly, within 1-2 days.

At-home testing is also an option, with popular online manufacturers offering test panels for up to $350. The primary benefit of this option is testing in the convenience of your own home. Simple blood tests, urine samples or swaps are taken and mailed back to the lab. Results are typically available in 7-10+ days.

Local low-cost or potentially free clinics also are available. However, these locations may require appointments, may not test for all STDs and are not as immediate as private testing.

Can you get same-day STD tests in Cambridge?

Yes! Private testing offers same-day, no appointment necessary STI testing in Cambridge. Once you purchase your selected tests (no doctor script required), you can just walk into the private lab with your order.

How fast do you get STD test results in Cambridge?

STD test result times will vary based on the type of test. Private STD testing in Cambridge will deliver results within 1-2 days. At-home test results could be 7+ days, and local clinics will vary based on a number of factors.

Are appointments needed for STD testing in Cambridge?

If you choose private STD testing as your preferred option, you don’t need an appointment to get your testing done. Just purchase the order and walk into one of the 5,000+ CLIA-Certified labs across the United States.

Local STD clinics may require appointments and should be checked on a case-by-case basis. At-home tests are also an option. Both will likely take longer to test and receive your results.

Sources

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/sti/
WHO – https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#tab=tab_1
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/oral-herpes
National Institutes of Health – https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/stages-hiv-infection
Medscape – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218059-clinical?form=fpf
Iowa.gov – https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/chlamydia
Minnesota Department of Health – https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hepatitis

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STD Testing in Cities Near Cambridge, MA

Somerville, MA1 miles

Allston, MA2 miles

Boston, MA3 miles

Brookline, MA3 miles

Medford, MA3 miles

East Boston, MA4 miles

Watertown, MA4 miles

Everett, MA4 miles

Chelsea, MA4 miles

Roxbury, MA4 miles

Malden, MA4 miles

Arlington, MA4 miles

Newton, MA4 miles

Jamaica Plain, MA4 miles

Dorchester, MA5 miles

Revere, MA6 miles

Waltham, MA6 miles

Melrose, MA7 miles

Mattapan, MA7 miles

Stoneham, MA7 miles

North Quincy, MA8 miles

Saugus, MA9 miles

Wakefield, MA9 miles

Milton, MA9 miles

Dedham, MA10 miles

Weston, MA10 miles

Quincy, MA10 miles

Wellesley, MA10 miles

Burlington, MA10 miles

Lynn, MA10 miles

Reading, MA11 miles

Westwood, MA12 miles

Bedford, MA12 miles

Lynnfield, MA12 miles

Braintree Town, MA13 miles

Swampscott, MA13 miles

Wayland, MA13 miles

Braintree, MA13 miles

Needham, MA13 miles

Canton, MA13 miles

Hull, MA14 miles

Concord, MA14 miles

Natick, MA14 miles

Weymouth, MA14 miles

Norwood, MA14 miles

Peabody, MA14 miles

Billerica, MA14 miles

Randolph, MA14 miles

Salem, MA15 miles

Sudbury, MA16 miles

Middleton, MA16 miles

Marblehead, MA16 miles

Danvers, MA16 miles

Holbrook, MA17 miles

Framingham, MA17 miles

Beverly, MA17 miles

Tewksbury, MA18 miles

Stoughton, MA18 miles

Acton, MA18 miles

Belmont, MA19 miles

Lexington, MA19 miles

Maynard, MA19 miles

Abington, MA19 miles

Rockland, MA19 miles

Ashland, MA20 miles

Holliston, MA20 miles

Chelmsford, MA20 miles

Brockton, MA21 miles

Lowell, MA21 miles

Norfolk, MA21 miles

Norwell, MA21 miles

Hanover, MA22 miles

Westford, MA22 miles

Medway, MA22 miles

Whitman, MA22 miles

Marlborough, MA23 miles

Dracut, MA23 miles

Lawrence, MA23 miles

Hudson, MA23 miles

Littleton, MA23 miles

Easton, MA24 miles

Franklin, MA25 miles

Franklin Town, MA25 miles

Methuen, MA25 miles

Mansfield, MA26 miles

Milford, MA26 miles

Tyngsborough, MA26 miles

Pembroke, MA27 miles

Pelham, NH28 miles

Haverhill, MA28 miles

Gloucester, MA28 miles

Bridgewater, MA28 miles

Norton, MA29 miles

Salem, NH29 miles

Raynham, MA30 miles

North Attleborough, MA30 miles

Attleboro, MA31 miles

Windham, NH31 miles

Shrewsbury, MA32 miles

Grafton, MA32 miles

Taunton, MA32 miles

Newburyport, MA32 miles

Nashua, NH33 miles

Woonsocket, RI33 miles

Blackstone, MA33 miles

Cumberland, RI34 miles

Middleborough, MA34 miles

Amesbury, MA34 miles

Amesbury Town, MA34 miles

Uxbridge, MA35 miles

Leominster, MA35 miles

Valley Falls, RI35 miles

Millbury, MA35 miles

Worcester, MA36 miles

Lincoln, RI36 miles

Central Falls, RI36 miles

Plymouth, MA37 miles

Rehoboth, MA37 miles

Derry, NH37 miles

Sutton, MA37 miles

Londonderry, NH37 miles

Pawtucket, RI37 miles

Lakeville, MA37 miles

Carver, MA38 miles

Holden, MA38 miles

Fitchburg, MA38 miles

Seekonk, MA38 miles

Smithfield, RI38 miles

Auburn, MA39 miles

Merrimack, NH39 miles

East Providence, RI41 miles

Providence, RI41 miles

Hampton, NH41 miles

Leicester, MA42 miles

Pascoag, RI42 miles

Milford, NH42 miles

Swansea, MA42 miles

Dartmouth, MA43 miles

Exeter, NH43 miles

Johnston, RI43 miles

Amherst, NH44 miles

Cranston, RI44 miles

Bedford, NH45 miles

Barrington, RI45 miles

Somerset, MA45 miles

Webster, MA45 miles

Warren, RI45 miles

Raymond, NH46 miles

Manchester, NH46 miles

Fall River, MA47 miles

Wareham, MA47 miles

Acushnet, MA47 miles

Charlton, MA47 miles

Thompson, CT47 miles

Dudley, MA48 miles

Greenland, NH48 miles

Bristol, RI49 miles

Gardner, MA49 miles

Foster, RI49 miles

Newmarket, NH50 miles

See all cities in Massachusetts

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