Getting tested for sexually transmitted infections shouldn’t feel like a big deal — but for a lot of people, it does. Maybe you’ve been putting it off because you’re not sure what happens during the visit. Maybe you’re worried about the cost, the wait, or what someone at the front desk might think. Those concerns are completely understandable, and they’re also the exact reason so many STIs go undiagnosed every year.
Here’s the reality: STI testing is one of the fastest, most routine things you can do at an urgent care clinic. At AG Care in Brooklyn and Queens, most patients are in and out in under an hour — and the process is far less intimidating than most people expect.
This is Part 1 of our Sexual Health & STI Awareness Series, where we’ll walk you through everything from common infections and symptoms to treatment options and prevention strategies. Let’s start with what actually happens when you walk in for an STI test.
Why STI Testing Matters More Than You Think
Sexually transmitted infections are surging across New York City — and Brooklyn is one of the hardest-hit boroughs. According to the NYC Department of Health’s 2023 STI Surveillance Report, chlamydia and gonorrhea rates both increased compared to the prior year, and the Williamsburg-Bushwick area was specifically flagged as a gonorrhea hotspot.
Statewide, the numbers paint a similar picture. The New York State Department of Health reported over 109,000 chlamydia diagnoses and more than 46,000 gonorrhea diagnoses in 2023 alone — both representing year-over-year increases.
What makes these numbers especially concerning is that most people with an STI don’t have symptoms. You can feel perfectly fine and still be carrying — and transmitting — an infection. That’s why routine testing is essential, not just when something feels wrong.
Who Should Get Tested?
The CDC recommends STI screening for:
- All sexually active women under 25 — annual chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
- Women 25 and older with new or multiple partners
- All sexually active men who have sex with men — at least annual testing for syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV
- Anyone with a new sexual partner
- Anyone who has had unprotected sex
- Pregnant women — early screening for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, chlamydia, and gonorrhea
- Everyone aged 13–64 — at least one HIV test in their lifetime
If you’re sexually active and haven’t been tested recently, you’re overdue.
What Happens During an STI Test at Urgent Care
This is the part most people are nervous about — and it’s almost always easier than expected. Here’s exactly what to expect when you come in for STI testing at AG Care.
Step 1: Check In
You can walk in to any of our five Brooklyn and Queens locations — no appointment needed. You can also check in online ahead of time to save your spot and reduce wait time.
At the front desk, you’ll provide basic information. Everything from check-in forward is handled with complete confidentiality.
Step 2: Private Consultation
A provider will take you to a private exam room and ask a few questions about your sexual history, any symptoms you may have, and your reason for testing. This conversation is judgment-free and completely confidential. Be honest — it helps us determine which tests to run.
Step 3: Sample Collection
Depending on what you’re being tested for, sample collection may include:
| Test | Sample Type | What It Detects |
|---|---|---|
| Urine sample | Quick cup collection | Chlamydia, gonorrhea |
| Blood draw | Small blood sample from arm or finger | HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B & C, herpes (HSV) |
| Swab | Genital, oral, or rectal swab | Chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HPV |
| Physical exam | Visual inspection | Genital warts, herpes sores, syphilis chancres |
Most people only need a urine sample and/or blood draw. The entire sample collection process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Step 4: Results and Next Steps
Depending on the tests ordered, results may be available the same day for rapid tests or within 1–3 days for lab-processed samples. Your AG Care provider will contact you with results and, if needed, immediately begin a treatment plan.
If you test positive, don’t panic — most common STIs are treatable and many are completely curable with antibiotics or antiviral medications. We’ll cover treatment in depth in Part 4 of this series.
Common STIs We Test For
At AG Care, we offer comprehensive testing panels as well as individual tests. The most common STIs we screen for include:
| STI | Curable? | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Chlamydia | Yes | Most common bacterial STI; often no symptoms; can cause infertility if untreated |
| Gonorrhea | Yes | Increasing antibiotic resistance is a growing concern; can infect throat and rectum |
| Syphilis | Yes | Rates among women up 800% since 2014 in NYS; congenital syphilis is a growing crisis |
| HIV | No (manageable) | Early detection is critical; modern treatment allows a normal lifespan |
| Herpes (HSV-1 & HSV-2) | No (manageable) | Very common; many carriers don’t know they have it; antiviral medication reduces outbreaks |
| HPV | No (often clears on its own) | Most common STI overall; linked to cervical cancer; vaccine available |
| Hepatitis B & C | Hep C: Yes / Hep B: Manageable | Hep B vaccine available; Hep C now curable with antiviral treatment |
| Trichomoniasis | Yes | Caused by a parasite; more common in women; easily treated with antibiotics |
Not sure which tests you need? That’s okay — your AG Care provider will recommend the right panel based on your individual risk factors.
Why Urgent Care Is the Best Place for STI Testing
You have options when it comes to STI testing: your primary care doctor, a sexual health clinic, an emergency room, or an urgent care center. Here’s why urgent care is often the smartest choice.
No Appointment Needed
Walk in on your schedule, not your doctor’s. AG Care is open 7 days a week at all five locations.
Fast Turnaround
Most visits take under an hour, and many results come back the same day or within 1–3 days. Emergency rooms can mean hours of waiting for the same tests.
Lower Cost Than the ER
An ER visit for STI testing can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. AG Care offers competitive self-pay rates and accepts most major insurance plans.
Complete Confidentiality
Your visit and results are 100% private. AG Care follows all HIPAA guidelines, and your information is never shared without your consent.
Same-Day Treatment
If your provider suspects an infection based on your symptoms and exam, treatment can often begin the same day — even before lab results come back. Through AG Care and Knapp Pharmacy, you can pick up prescriptions locally or have medication delivered to your door.
Telehealth Follow-Ups
Need to discuss results or get a follow-up prescription? AG Care’s telehealth app, WeHealth, lets you connect with a provider from home — no need for a second in-person visit.
5 Myths About STI Testing (and the Truth)
Myth 1: “If I had an STI, I’d know.”
Truth: Most STIs — including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, and early-stage syphilis and HIV — can be completely asymptomatic. The only way to know your status is to get tested.
Myth 2: “STI testing is painful.”
Truth: Most tests require only a urine sample or a quick blood draw. Swabs, when needed, take seconds and involve minimal discomfort.
Myth 3: “I’m in a relationship, so I don’t need to get tested.”
Truth: Both partners should get tested at the start of any new relationship — and periodically thereafter. Many STIs are carried from previous relationships without either partner knowing.
Myth 4: “STI testing is expensive.”
Truth: Most insurance plans cover STI testing. For uninsured patients, AG Care offers affordable self-pay options. View our pricing.
Myth 5: “Only certain people need to worry about STIs.”
Truth: STIs don’t discriminate by age, gender, orientation, or relationship status. Anyone who is sexually active can contract an STI.
How Often Should You Get Tested?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are general guidelines based on CDC recommendations:
| Situation | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sexually active women under 25 | Annually for chlamydia and gonorrhea |
| Men who have sex with men | Every 3–6 months for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV |
| New sexual partner | Before or soon after beginning sexual activity |
| Multiple partners | Every 3–6 months |
| Pregnant | First prenatal visit; repeat in third trimester if at risk |
| After unprotected sex | 2 weeks after exposure (some tests require longer window periods) |
When in doubt, ask your provider. We’d rather test and confirm you’re clear than have an infection go undiagnosed.
Where to Get Tested in Brooklyn and Queens
AG Care offers walk-in STI testing and treatment at all five of our locations:
- Bushwick — 1295 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11221 | 347-778-0532
- Brownsville — 462 Rockaway Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212 | 718-942-1594
- Flatbush Junction — 664 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 | 718-287-4888
- Canarsie — 8984 Avenue L, Brooklyn, NY 11236 | 718-272-4488
- Jamaica, Queens — 90-01 Merrick Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11432 | 718-297-4800
Open 7 days a week. Walk-ins welcome. Most insurance accepted.
Check in online now to save your spot, or call us at 877-471-9091.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get STI testing without symptoms?
Absolutely. In fact, most people who get tested at AG Care don’t have symptoms. Routine screening is the best way to catch infections early — many STIs are asymptomatic, meaning you can carry and spread them without knowing.
How long does an STI test take?
The testing process itself usually takes 10–15 minutes. Your total visit at AG Care, including check-in and consultation, is typically under an hour.
Will my STI test results be kept confidential?
Yes. All STI testing at AG Care is completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Your results are shared only with you and your provider.
Do I need insurance for STI testing?
No. While AG Care accepts most major insurance plans, we also offer affordable self-pay options for uninsured patients.
Can I start treatment the same day?
In many cases, yes. If your provider suspects an infection based on your symptoms and examination, they can begin treatment immediately — even before lab results are finalized.
What’s the difference between an STI and an STD?
The terms are often used interchangeably. STI (sexually transmitted infection) refers to the initial infection, while STD (sexually transmitted disease) refers to when that infection causes symptoms or disease. Medical professionals increasingly prefer “STI” because many infections never progress to disease — but regardless of the term, testing and treatment are the same.
This is Part 1 of our Sexual Health & STI Awareness Series. Coming up next: Part 2 — The Most Common STIs in Brooklyn & NYC: Symptoms, Risks, and What You Need to Know.
Related Articles:
- Men’s Sexual Health: 7 Evidence-Based Ways to Improve Performance and Wellness
- Women’s Guide to Sexual Health
- UTI Treatment in Brooklyn & Queens
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) Treatment
- Wellness Visits at AG Care
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and answers to your personal health questions. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, please visit your nearest AG Care location or contact your healthcare provider.