Preferred Location: 3419 S Lafountain St Kokomo,IN 46902 Kokomo Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 3419 S Lafountain St Kokomo,IN 46902 Kokomo Change Location
Football, basketball and racing fans will all find something to do in Indiana. While the state is also loaded with other attractions designed to delight almost anyone, it is not paying attention to its residentsโ sexual health. The state is experiencing a record numbers of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases, along with a Hepatitis B, C, and HIV crisis in recent years. Unfortunately, while infection rates are rising, the number of STD clinics in the state are declining. There are free STD testing centers in Indiana, but these often come with long lines. Residents can also make one simple phone call to schedule private STD testing. This way they can skip the long lines and only spend 15 to 20 minutes at a local lab.
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.
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Must register as a patient to receive services.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Closed for lunch: 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Public health nurse is in on Fridays 8-12pm
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: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Several statistics jump off the page when analyzing statewide data on infectious diseases. The number of total STD cases in the state has been steadily increasing over recent years, and it also indicates that this is not likely to change. The data shows the rate for chlamydia is climbing at a particularly high rate. Chlamydia is one of the most common STDs, and itโs no surprise that it is one of the primary issues facing residents today.
In 2014, there were over 27,000 cases of chlamydia state wide. That number is noticeably higher when compared to national averages. HIV is another area where the state is seeing a jump in infection rates. The state suffered an extensive HIV outbreak in 2015. Some of the other statistics highlighting the growing HIV/AIDS crisis include,
Adolescents and young adults are often shy to seek information about testing. You can help combat the stigma by being proactive about sexual health and STD clinics. The resources are readily available, itโs up to you to take the initiative. If everyone makes a concentrated effort, the number of infected individuals will see a significant decline over the next few years. Donโt ignore the warning signs that are presented in the statistics.
STDs are significantly more prominent in younger members of the Indiana community, and this is one reason why sex education is so important. Currently, the state allows individual school districts to decide if sex education classes will be part of the curriculum. If they do, the information presented to students must be abstinence based. While abstaining from sexual intercourse will help lower the teen pregnancy rate, it will do little to stop the spread of most STDs.
This is because not all STDs are transmitted solely through intercourse. Some can be spread through casual contact. Without comprehensive sex education classes, students wonโt know that they are at risk. This means that they also donโt understand the importance of regular STI testing even if they arenโt sexually active.
Surveys show that over 70 percent of graduating high school seniors have engaged in sexual activity at least once. Most teens do not use protection, and donโt understand how a condom can effectively prevent unplanned pregnancies and STDs. Until educators and state leaders implement sex education programs in the public schools, the state can expect to see its STD rates continue to rise.
Along with comprehensive sex education, regular Herpes testing in Indiana is the best way to stop the spread of the virus through area high schools. It is also important for students and residents to know how vital regular HIV testing in Indiana is for their continued good health. The simple test only takes a few minutes, and could potentially save your life.
Analyzing demographics is a key way that sexual health professionals can target their awareness efforts. Indiana is home to several colleges and universities. With large centers of young people living together, itโs a perfect recipe for an outbreak. Considering recent outbreaks, it is vital that Indiana residents are pro-active in their measures to ensure sexual health.
Homosexual men and injection drug users are statistically among those with the highest risk for contracting HIV. Injection drug use is often a direct cause of the positive HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Often, those the most at-risk for HIV feel too ashamed or embarrassed to seek testing and treatment. Without appropriate testing measures, there are few reliable ways to control STD outbreaks.
Without access to affordable treatment or sexual health education, itโs difficult for communities to keep themselves safe and healthy. As education efforts increase, clinicians hope to assist at-risk communities in controlling the spread of STDs. The more people in these communities know about the resources that are available, the less STDs will spread.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to the overall sexual health of a community. One of the most important is having access to information and community health centers. Even if you suspect you are clean, it never hurts to get yourself tested just in case. It is only through being pro-active that communities can eradicate STDs. If everyone increases their awareness and sexual safety, the entire community will benefit. If the embarrassment of standing in line is the reason you are putting off STD testing, there is a faster and easier way to take care of your sexual health. With one phone call you can schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at a convenient lab.