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No Insurance? Confidential, Affordable STD Testing, Your Options

If you’re worried about a possible STD (also called an STI), the last thing you should have to worry about is insurance. Whether you don’t have coverage, you’re between plans, or you prefer to keep testing off your insurance for privacy reasons, you still deserve fast, discreet care.

That’s precisely what you’ll find at AFC Urgent Care Beverly. Our providers offer confidential, affordable STD testing and treatment with transparent pricing for self-pay patients, walk-in access, and judgment-free care. You can come in on your schedule, ask the questions you’ve been avoiding, and leave with answers and a plan.

We serve the North Shore at five convenient locations in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill. Find your nearest clinic: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Why test, especially if you feel fine?

Many STIs are silent at first. They can fly under the radar for weeks or months without apparent symptoms, yet still be transmissible to partners and capable of causing complications if untreated.

Common “silent” infections include:

  • Chlamydia (often asymptomatic, especially in people with a cervix)
  • Gonorrhea (may cause discharge or burning… or nothing at all)
  • Trichomoniasis (can be quiet or show up as irritation/odor)
  • Hepatitis B and C (usually asymptomatic early on)
  • HIV (early symptoms can be flu-like or absent)

Untreated infections can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, chronic pelvic pain, epididymitis, and increased risk of HIV transmission. The good news? Testing is quick, treatment is straightforward for most bacterial STIs, and the sooner you act, the better your outcomes.

What does “confidential” mean at urgent care?

At AFC Urgent Care Beverly, confidentiality isn’t a perk; it’s a standard. Here’s what that looks like in real life:

  • Private intake and results: Your medical information is protected under federal and state privacy laws (HIPAA).
  • Self-pay options: If you choose not to use insurance, we won’t submit a claim, which is helpful if you’re concerned about Explanation of Benefits (EOB) mailings.
  • Discreet communication: We’ll confirm how you’d like to receive results (secure portal, phone, or in person).
  • Judgment-free care: Our clinicians test and treat STIs every day. You’ll get respectful, compassionate care, no lectures.

Prefer to pay without insurance? Just tell the front desk you’re self-pay. We’ll provide transparent pricing before any tests are performed so there are no surprises.

What we test for (and how)

Your provider will recommend tests based on your symptoms, anatomy, and exposures. Typical panels include:

1) Chlamydia and Gonorrhea

  • Urine NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) or swab (throat, rectal, vaginal/urethral), depending on exposure sites
  • Results are highly accurate; treatment is straightforward when positive

2) Trichomoniasis

  • Vaginal swab or urine-based testing is standard and easily treated

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

3) HIV

  • Fourth-generation blood tests can detect infection earlier than older tests
  • If you believe you had a very recent high-risk exposure, ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) immediately

4) Syphilis

  • Blood test (often included when screening for HIV)

5) Hepatitis B and C

  • Blood tests are recommended based on risk factors, past exposures, and age group

6) Herpes (HSV-1 and HSV-2)

  • Best tested from an active sore with a swab
  • A blood test exists, but can be tricky to interpret; we’ll explain pros/cons

7) HPV

  • There’s no routine blood test for HPV. Testing is performed during cervical cancer screening (Pap/HPV cotesting) for eligible patients. The HPV vaccine can reduce the risk of certain high-risk strains.

What do you need? Walk in and let us help you decide based on your history, symptoms, and timeline since exposure. Start here: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

When should I test after a possible exposure?

Every infection has a window period, the time between exposure and when a test can reliably detect it. Testing too early may miss an infection. A quick guide:

  • Gonorrhea & Chlamydia (NAAT): ~5–7 days after exposure (sooner if symptomatic; repeat if early test is negative but concern remains)
  • Trichomoniasis: About 7–14 days
  • Syphilis (blood): Often 3–6 weeks for reliable detection; test sooner if you have a suspicious sore or rash
  • HIV (4th-gen blood test): Many positives detected by 2–4 weeks, with most detected by 6 weeks
  • Hepatitis C: Antibody at 6–9 weeks; RNA can be detected earlier in some settings

If you’re symptomatic now, burning, discharge, sores, pelvic pain, swollen nodes, don’t wait. Come in for an exam and testing; we may treat presumptively while waiting for results.

Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore.

  • Burning or pain with urination
  • Genital discharge (white, yellow, green, or malodorous)
  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
  • Testicular pain or swelling
  • Genital sores, blisters, or ulcers
  • Rash on palms/soles or unexplained body rash
  • Rectal pain, bleeding, or discharge (after receptive anal sex)
  • Sore throat after oral sex (possible throat gonorrhea or chlamydia)

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

If any of these sound familiar, walk in today. Same-day evaluation can speed relief and reduce complications.

What to expect during your visit (step-by-step)

1. Private check-in
2. Please let us know if you’d prefer to pay out of pocket if you don’t use insurance.
3. Brief, respectful history
4. We’ll ask only about symptoms, partners, anatomy, and exposures necessary to order the proper tests.
5. Testing

  • Urine sample and/or swabs (you may self-collect certain swabs quickly and easily)
  • Blood draw for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis screens if indicated.
  • Sore swab if there are lesions

1. Treatment plan
2. If we strongly suspect a bacterial STI, we may start treatment today rather than waiting for results. Otherwise, we’ll create a plan based on testing and your preferences.
3. Results & follow-up
4. We’ll share results discreetly (via portal, phone, or in person), explain what everything means, and provide next steps, including retesting when recommended.
5. Documentation and resources
6. Need a work or school note? We’ll provide one. Want help with partner notification? We’ve got approaches that protect your privacy and keep others safe.

We’re open 7 days a week. Find a location near you: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

“What if my test is positive?”

First: you’re not alone, and most bacterial STIs are highly treatable.

  • Chlamydia & Gonorrhea: Treated with antibiotics; abstain until treatment is complete and symptoms resolve.
  • Trichomoniasis: Oral medication; partners should also be treated.
  • Syphilis: Antibiotic injections; staging and follow-up labs are essential.
  • HIV: We’ll guide you to immediate linkage for antiretroviral therapy and local resources. Early treatment changes everything.
  • Hepatitis B: Many infections resolve; chronic cases need follow-up. Hep B vaccination is available.
  • Hepatitis C: Now curable in most cases with direct-acting antivirals; referral/coordination is key.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Partner notification prevents reinfection. We’ll discuss discreet ways to notify partners, whether you or with our help, and when expedited partner therapy (EPT) may be an option for certain infections, per clinical guidance.

Prevention that actually works (keep it simple)

  • Condoms (external or internal) and dental dams reduce transmission risk for many STIs
  • Vaccination:
  • HPV vaccine (protects against cancers and genital warts)
  • Hepatitis B vaccine (prevents HBV infection)
  • Limit overlapping partners and avoid sex while symptomatic
  • Regular testing based on your activity and risk factors (e.g., every 3–6 months for some, annually for others)
  • Talk openly with partners about testing history and boundaries; it’s part of caring for each other

PEP and PrEP: HIV prevention you should know about

  • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): If you believe you had a high-risk exposure to HIV within the last 72 hours (unprotected sex, condom failure, sexual assault), come in immediately. PEP is a 28-day medication course that can reduce your chance of infection if started as soon as possible.

  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): A daily or event-driven medication strategy that prevents HIV before exposure. If you have an ongoing risk, we’ll discuss PrEP options and help you connect with a provider of continuing management.

Timing matters for PEP. If the clock is ticking, walk into AFC Urgent Care Beverly now: Get directions.

No insurance? Let’s talk about costs, payments, and practical choices.

You’ve got options even without coverage:

  • Self-pay pricing: We’ll outline costs before testing so you can choose what you need today.
  • Targeted vs. comprehensive testing: We can start with your highest-yield tests based on symptoms and exposure, or do a full panel if you prefer.
  • Pay today, results later: You don’t need to come back to pay again unless you’d like in-person results.
  • Treatment costs: We’ll explain medication options and costs up front.
  • Follow-up plan: If retesting is recommended (e.g., to confirm cure or check for reinfection), we’ll help you schedule a budget-friendly timeline.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

If you’re comparing options, remember: accuracy, privacy, and speed matter. Our tests are clinical-grade, results are precise, and providers are available on-site to interpret and treat. That’s a value you can feel.

Privacy tips if you share a home or phone

  • Ask for portal-only results or a call at a specific time.
  • Use headphones or step outside for medical calls.
  • If you don’t want paper mail, request paperless communications.
  • If you’re concerned about shared devices, log out of any medical portal after use.

We’ll always ask your communication preference at check-in.

When to go to urgent care vs. the ER

Urgent Care (AFC Urgent Care Beverly) is right for:

  • Routine STD screening (with or without symptoms)

  • Burning with urination, discharge, sores

  • Sore throat after oral sex

  • Pelvic discomfort without severe pain

  • Partner testing or “test-of-cure” follow-up

  • PEP evaluation as soon as possible (if within 72 hours—come now)

Go to the ER if you have:

  • Severe lower abdominal/pelvic pain, high fever, vomiting (possible PID)
  • Testicular pain + swelling with fever (possible torsion or severe infection)
  • Severe rectal bleeding or uncontrolled pain
  • Signs of a severe allergic reaction to a medication

Not sure? Call your nearest AFC Urgent Care, Beverly—we’ll help you decide the safest next step.

How often should I get tested?

It depends on your activity, number of partners, and the types of sex you have (oral/anal/vaginal):

  • Annually for sexually active adults with new or multiple partners

  • Every 3–6 months for people with higher-risk exposures or various partners

  • Before starting a new relationship

  • Right away, if you have symptoms or a partner tests positive

If you’re unsure, we’ll tailor a testing schedule to you.

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

FAQs

Can I be tested the day after sex?

You can be evaluated at any time, especially if you have symptoms. But some tests are more accurate after a window period. We’ll advise you on when to test now vs. when to repeat.

Do I need to stop antibiotics before testing?

If you recently took antibiotics, let us know—it can affect specific results.

Can minors get tested without a parent?

In many cases, minors can consent to specific sexual health services. If privacy is a concern, call ahead and we’ll walk you through options.

Will you call my partner?

We’ll help you decide on a notification strategy. Some people prefer to tell their partners themselves; others want assistance. We’ll keep your privacy intact either way.

How fast are the results?

Many results are available within a few days. If something requires urgent treatment, we won’t wait—we’ll start appropriate care based on clinical judgment.

Why choose AFC Urgent Care Beverly for no-insurance STD testing?

  • Walk-in access, no appointment needed
  • Confidential, judgment-free care
  • Self-pay friendly with up-front pricing
  • Clinical-grade testing and on-site treatment
  • Partner notification guidance and follow-up plans
  • PEP counseling for recent high-risk exposures
  • 5 convenient North Shore locations: Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, Haverhill

Start here: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

Final thoughts

Insurance status should never be a barrier to your health. If you need STD testing today, privately, affordably, and without judgment, we’ve got you. Walk into AFC Urgent Care Beverly for same-day care, targeted testing, and straightforward answers. Whether you’re symptomatic, exposed, or just want peace of mind, you can get it, no insurance required. Find your nearest clinic and walk in today: https://www.afcurgentcare.com/massachusetts/  

Find us in Beverly, Swampscott, North Andover, Methuen, and Haverhill: AFC Urgent Care Beverly.

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