Preferred Location: 1221 North Highland Ave Aurora,IL 60506 Aurora Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1221 North Highland Ave Aurora,IL 60506 Aurora Change Location
Aurora, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, are stretched across four counties that have different STD rates (all of them lower than Cookโs). In 2016, DuPage County had an HIV prevalence rate of 82.5 per 100K people. Those of Kane, Kendall, and Will counties were 78.7, 39.5, and 100.5. But donโt get smug yet by your relatively low rates. HIV is preventable, and those numbers can still come down.
There are surely more people out there who are infected and donโt yet know it. Every sexually active person needs to get tested regularly, even if they are not experiencing symptoms.
In 2017, the counties that make up Aurora had chlamydia rates of 272.1, 395.3, 359.1, and 397.3. The gonorrhea rates were 49.2, 90.8, 81.1, and 94.5, and the (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 1, 3.7, 5.2, and 3.1.
Aurora has a few STD-testing clinics, and there are even more options in Chicago and other suburbs. The Open Door Health Center of Illinois on Lincoln Ave provides STI testing.
Planned Parenthood is located on New York St. They test for STIs and treat all except HIV, and the fee is on a sliding scale. The Kane County Health Department also does STD screening at their Elgin location. Check around to see if there are any free STD testing events coming up.
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.
Regional CARE Association is a non profit specializing in HIV assessment and treatment. They have a staff comprised of physicians, case managers, nutritionists and other support personnel.
Since they have both rapid HIV tests and a lab, you can find out what your status is in only a few minutes.
Open Doors started in 1977 when area nurses recognized that STDs were a real problem. They expanded their services in the 1980's to include screening and care for HIV and the center has continued to grow since then.
Still staffed by nurses, there are also physicians that donate their time here.
Waterleaf is a complete women's health care center. Not only do they handle unexpected pregnancies but also the sexually transmitted diseases that commonly affect women.
Screening for the two infections is done with a urine sample. Tests are then sent to a lab and you will be notified in a couple of days.
You know the name, even if you have never used their services before. Planned Parenthood has a reputation for providing exceptional women's and men's sexual health care for more than 100 years. Often guys don't know that Planned Parenthood also treats them.
The clinic treats both genders equally, especially concerning sexual health care.
The Kane County Health Department handles everything from environmental and emergency relief programs to infectious disease management. One of the ways they are ways they are working to resolve the issue with STDs is by offering screenings at several of their health clinics.
Physicians Immediate Care is not only a place to go for injuries or illness that are not life threatening. They are working to improve all aspects of their patients' health. This is why one of the services they provide are screenings for sexually transmitted diseases.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
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: AIDS Service Organization. HIV Testing and STD testing and treatment. Free HIV testing available daily. Free STI screenings are offered every Monday (8:30AM-3PM) with appointment. Call 331-276-4510 for testing schedule and information
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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, Social Security Number.
Description: Need to enroll as a patient in order to receive services.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Age 12 years and older (per Illinois State Code); no residency requirement. As of March 2012 - STD clinic fees: call for current fee information. Free HIV testing is available to targeted populations. Call for more information.
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: AIDS Service Organization. General services for HIV+. Free HIV testing is open to the general public daily. If no insurance STD screenings is done on a sliding scale. Call 331-276-4510 for testing schedule and information
Description: Community Based Organization. 18 years of age and older.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
While an initial glance at the STD rates for the area might not seem that high when compared to state and national averages, it should be pointed out that this is a less populated community. This is why a Gonorrhea incident rate of 42.7 in 2012 is still alarming, even when it is compared to the state average infection rate of 141.03.
The statistics are proving that even smaller cities and more rural counties are also dealing with high STD rates, and that everyone is potentially at risk.
Some of the statistics that has city and county health officials worried includes;
Top STD Testing Locations in Aurora, IL
Primary Item (H2)The only qualification you need is to be at least 14 years old. Anyone younger will need permission from the adult that is caring for them. Testing is free and you can walk in. You might want to still call first. The clinic frequently changes their testing times.
Regional CARE Association provides free testing and treatment to residents in the community. If you can't make it to this clinic, you can call and see if they are having one of their outreach programs at a location that is closer to you. During the month, they generally have free HIV testing at schools, churches and other community places.
2420 Glenwood Ave, Joliet, IL 60435, USA
Screenings are done by appointment only. Call the clinic when they are open. You can also learn about costs, age requirements (14 and up), along with when they offer free testing.
Open Door Health Center's only requirement is that you call first. They have office hours during the week and can usually fit you in within 24 hours. Testing can be free, along with some treatment.
You can find the clinic on Lincoln Ave. There is even city transportation routes close by.
157 S Lincoln Ave # K, Aurora, IL 60505, USA
With a scheduled visit, testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea is free. You can also pick up information on other sexually transmitted diseases before you leave.
There is a age limit for minors, 14 and older without a parent present.
Waterleaf may only test for a couple STIs but it is free. This even includes medication for treatment and a wellness check-up.
Wait times for appointments are usually no more than a day. This is also a good place to go if you only want some information on how to protect yourself from infection.
3598 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60504, USA
You will start by scheduling an appointment. This can be done online or over the phone. If you need help paying the fees, it is best to call. You can find out about MERCK and their other sliding scale fee plans. This can be especially helpful for minors that do not want to use insurance that their parents might find out about.
Planned Parenthood is conveniently located on East New York St. It's actually not too far from the Philips Park Zoo and several public transportation routes. If you prefer to drive, there is parking. Just don't forget to have an appointment before you drop in.
3051 E New York St, Aurora, IL 60504, USA
Step one, before STD testing, is to contact the clinic. You can call during the week. You can also hope that the clinic isn't too busy and stop in without phoning ahead. If you choose this method this is no guarantee that you will be seen that day. It just depends on how many patients are ahead of you when you go in.
This branch of the Kane County Health Department is pretty easy to get to. It is over on W. Highland, not far from a bus stop. You can get the complete bus schedule online at the city's public transportation website. The clinic can also tell you which one you need to catch.
1240 N Highland Ave, Aurora, IL 60506, USA
No appointments are necessary. Just come in, they are open 7 days a week. Testing costs are clearly displayed on their web page. You can pay the fees over time or get a discounted rate for paying in full at the time of your visit.
You can also reserve a time slot, though there is no guarantee that you will be seen exactly at that time if an emergency case comes in.
Physicians Immediate Care is an affordable option to some private health clinics. Wait times are minimal, according to client reviews. Usually around 15 minutes. You can also get a discount on fees if you are able to pay upfront.
2853 Kirk Rd, Aurora, IL 60502, USA
In answer to the stateโs rising STD rates the governor has signed a bill that requires public schools to teach students about safe sex, though abstinence based programs are also included in the program. With the number of sexually transmitted diseases rising each year, city and state health officials are hopeful that the new education program will have a positive effect on the STD rates in the coming years.
While abstinence can prevent a pregnancy, it does not protect teens against all sexually transmittable diseases. When teens are at risk, it also increases the chances of adults contracting a STD. Not all sexually transmitted infections are spread through intercourse, and even more alarming not every disease displays immediate symptoms. This often results in more than one person becoming infected, which could be easily prevented with STD testing.
Regular Herpes testing in Aurora is important, and can help stop the spread of this easily transmitted virus. Regular HIV testing in Aurora is also needed.
While the policies are becoming less conservative, making it easy for teens and adults to find the information they need about the spread of STDs, the high rates of infection show that residents are not getting tested regularly. Part of this is due to a lack of available community health centers, but city officials are working on ways to increase the number of clinics.
Lower income families often find it difficult to afford regular STD testing, and forces many residents to put off this important health step. There are also misconceptions and stereotypes concerning certain sexually transmitted diseases firmly in place, which is also contributing to the areaโs rising STD rates.
Many teens and adults also believe that an STD will never happen to them, and often donโt see the need for regular testing. With the ability of some viral infections to be spread through casual contact, everyone needs to understand how important it is to include the simple test as a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Even though the conservative policies and politics are relaxing, many teens and young adults still find it difficult to admit that they are sexually active. This can also lead to a reluctance to be tested regularly, for fear of being seen at a health clinic.
Ignoring the problems that come with STDs won’t make them disappear, but you don’t have to give-up an afternoon at a public HIV/AIDS center. STI clinics are available throughout Chicago, and a few keep weekend hours. Get your test results in a couple of hours, and rest assured that your privacy is protected. You might even be able to get anonymous STD testing on your way to the glamorous Paramount Theatre.
Reference:
http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2013/08/chicago-for-years-illinois-sex-education-focus-was-on-presenting-the-basics-to-illinois-school-children-while-encouragin.html
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.