Preferred Location: 11208 Aurora Ave Bldg 12 Urbandale,IA 50322 Urbandale Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 11208 Aurora Ave Bldg 12 Urbandale,IA 50322 Urbandale Change Location
In Polk County over 1,000 cases of sexually transmitted diseases were reported just in the first quarter of 2018, including 15 HIV diagnoses. The County is particularly concerned about gonorrhea because of the rise in antibiotic-resistant strains.
In Iowa State chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are reportable by law. One of the reasons for required reporting is so the health department can verify treatment for infected persons. Partner services are also available.
In an effort to combat sexual health stigma Primary Health Care provides a mobile testing unit that rolls out to campus for Green Dot Action Week to give students free STD testing services. Scheduled visits for the mobile unit can be found through Primary Health Careโs website.
Testing centers are located throughout the Des Moines area. Through you a simple search you can find locations convenient to you, like the Primary Health Care located on University Avenue or the Polk County Health Department on Carpenter Avenue. There are also multiple Planned Parenthood locations throughout the area.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2ย provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.ย
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.ย
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.ย
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.ย
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
The Midwestern AIDS Project started in 2012. Their main focus is on those in the community that are the most often at risk. This does include a large group of people, which is why they are determine to educate and help everyone they serve to know how to protect themselves from the virus.
For over thirty years, PHC has been working to stem the flow of STDs, primarily AIDS, in the community. They do this by offering workshops and sponsoring outreach programs, all while depending on the generosity of their patrons and community activists.
Screenings for HIV and STIs are done throughout the week by experienced clinicians. Results are sent to you confidentially, usually in a day or so.
InnerVisions Health Care is a pregnancy and STD medical clinic. Since they do perform several services they do have physicians that see the majority of their patients.
When you are there for the initial STD test, you will probably only be with a clinician and counselor. A physician will be in to see you if you have a positive test results.
Planned Parenthood has a long history dating back to 1916. They are leaders in the field of sexual health and research. This means you now have access to some of the best medical care.
Testing for STDs is an important service they offer. It won't take long, once your with the clinician.
You know the name but do you know what they do? Planned Parenthood is an organization that works to educate people about their sexual health. They have a history dating back to 1916 and they still continue to lead the way in research and care.
One way they are working to educate patients is by encouraging STD testing.
The mission of the county health department's sexual diseases clinic is to help residents lead healthy lives, without the risk of contracting a STD. They are seeking to educate everyone and have individuals take responsibility for their health.
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Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: All on-site HIV testing is by appointment only. HIV Self-Testing is mail based
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. $5 fee for STD testing and treatment for ages 13 and up. High risk HIV testing- no fee. Low risk HIV testing $25. Call to set up appointment. Walk-in STD testing Mon., Wed., Fri., 1pm-3pm and Tues.,Thurs., 8:30am-11:30am
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: birth certificate, pay stub, photo ID, proof of residence. Only open the 2nd Saturday of the month
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: birth certificate, pay stub, photo ID, proof of residence.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: birth certificate, pay stub, photo ID, and proof of residence. Only open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month
Top STD Testing Locations in Des Moines, IA
Primary Item (H2)Testing for HIV is free on a first come first see basis. Youths are welcome, as long as they meet the 13 yr and up age requirement.
The Midwestern AIDS Project is a non profit that provides free screenings and resources to those often considered at risk or without insurance.
They accept everyone, over 13, without question. You can come in whenever the clinic is open.
607 Forest Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
Testing for HIV and STIs is free with an appointment. You can select when you want to come in or let the clinic choose the date and time for you.
PHC is an HIV and STI clinic. While they are limited in the treatment they can provide, they do offer free screenings to community residents. The only qualification is that you must be older than 12. Otherwise you will need to bring a parent with you.
1200 University Ave #120, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
The first thing you need to do when you want STD testing is to call for an appointment. They do accept patients as young as 15, but prefer to not have any younger. You should also be advised that testing is not free. There are charges.
InnerVisions Health Care is similar to other sexual health organizations. They perform almost the same services, only here you can expect to be charged for your visit. They do not have reduced rates, even if you do not have health insurance.
1355 50th St #400, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
There are fees for testing and you do need to schedule ahead of your visit. Urine samples are most commonly used for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing, while others only need a quick swab of the inside of your mouth.
Rapid HIV testing is also available, and the clinic does not charge extra for it.
Planned Parenthood is on E Post Army Rd. It is pretty easy to get to, unless you don't drive. If this is the case, you might want to look for another clinic closer to a bus route.
1000 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
Contact the clinic if you need details about costs of your visit or if you want to see about payment arrangements. This must be done before you come in.
Planned Parenthood is here to help you with any problem that might be affecting your sexual health. They have screenings for sexually transmitted diseases on a daily basis. Some patients even qualify for reduced testing fees. Call the clinic to see if this will apply to you.
2304 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, USA
Want to get in for testing today? You'll need to contact the clinic by 8 am. Anyone 13 and older is welcome to come in. There are fees associated with testing. Sometimes they can be waived but you might still owe for the office visit.
Even though the county's StD clinic is not free, it is still an affordable option for residents that want to start taking charge of their health. It really is better to call ahead. They will see unexpected visitors, but only if they have the time. This doesn't happen often.
1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
The efforts to educate the public about sexual health come from a few different arenas. Government sponsored programs provide for mandatory sexual education in the public schools. This is an attempt to reach youth just prior to the average age when some will begin sexual experimentation. The hope is that the knowledge of the dangers and consequences of unsafe sex will serve as a deterrent. Students are given information on where to go if they have the symptoms or suspect they may have contracted an STD, for example, for a Herpes test or for HIV testing.
STD clinics often sponsor informational seminars featuring experts on sexual and reproductive health. Literature is also distributed in an attempt to get the word out to the public. Even though these activities are helpful, more has yet to be done to reach the majority of the population.
Populations which are at or below the poverty level tend to have higher incidences of sexually transmitted diseases. It is believed that the reasons for this are a lack of exposure to educational resources and limited financial ability to seek testing and treatment. The data which has been compiled by the Center for Disease Control shows plainly that certain forms of STD are higher in specific groups of persons.
Women have the highest incidences of Chlamydia infection that is two and a half times higher than that of men. The most common age grouping is 20 to 24 years of age with those in the 15 to 19 year age group showing an increase in cases. Black females are the ethnic group with the highest rates followed by Hispanic females and then Whites.
Gonorrhea rates for this area is highest for females in the 15 to 19 age group. This represents a shift in the average age of infection from the 20 to 24 year age group to women who are still in their teens. This trend is happening after the implementation of mandatory public school education on sexual health. What it could mean is that more teens are being tested because of the new information that they are receiving.
Incidences of Syphilis infections are much higher in men than they are for women. While females have a .6 rate, the number for males is at 6.3, showing a remarkably higher rate by comparison. Male to male sexual activity has an impact upon these numbers.
Although there are options that are available for STD testing, there are segments of the population who are either unaware that they should get tested, or cannot afford the fees involved. There are alternatives for free testing for those who qualify based upon annual income guidelines, or reduced rates. While these options are generally on the table, there are periods when the funding may be exhausted in between funding cycles, requiring those in need to wait for a later date.
Everyone should get tested. With rates in the Des Moines, IA area high, it pays to be safe. There are STD clinics available that can provide fast testing with results in a short period of time. Ordering the testing is very easy and following through with a visit to the local testing lab takes less than a half of an hour of your time. Why worry when you can know for certain? Following through can help you to have a greater peace of mind with less stress and worry.ย Problems with sexual health can spread to affect your reproductive system and entire body. Itโs best to be safe, take a few short moments to get tested.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.