Preferred Location: 2615 Northgate Dr Ste B Iowa City,IA 52245 Shimek Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 2615 Northgate Dr Ste B Iowa City,IA 52245 Shimek Change Location
STD rates have been going up across the US, and Cedar Rapids is no exception. Health officials are especially worried about the gonorrhea rates, which increased 145% in Iowa between 2013 and 2017. The problem with gonorrhea is that there is only one medicine left to treat it, and the strain may be developing a resistance to it. Now, the focus must be on prevention over treatment.
Another problem in Iowa is that budget cuts have led to the closure of many clinics. People in some areas now have to travel two hours to reach one, and this is a big problem if one is poor. Most likely, many people end up going untreated.
In 2016, the HIV prevalence rate in Linn County was 132.8 per 100K people. The chlamydia rate was 550.2, and the gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 121 and 1.8.
Planned Parenthood is located on 1st Ave SE. They test for STIs and treat all except HIV, and the fee is on a sliding scale. You can also be tested at the Linn County Public Health Clinic on 13th St NW.
OB-GYN Associates PC, on A Ave NE, and Emma Goldman Clinic in nearby Iowa City both test for and treat STIs as well. Keep an eye on local events to see if you can catch a free STD testing event, especially during STD Awareness Month.
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 University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (AIDS/HIV Clinic) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Eastern Iowa Womens Health Center is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (University of Iowa LGBTQ Clinic) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Emma Goldman Clinic is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
It is almost impossible to at least not be familiar with the name Planned Parenthood. They are leaders in research concerning sexual health care. Some may think they only perform one service but nothing is further from the truth.
You can easily get tested for sexually transmitted infections here. You also have the advantage of having a counselor to talk to when results are in.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
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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: closed for lunch 12-1 p.m
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Social Service Organization.
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: Community Based Organization. Services include Transgender health care. Open some Saturdays; call first. Walk-in hours Mon.-Wed., Fri., 10am-1pm; Thurs., 5pm-8pm
Top STD Testing Locations in Cedar Rapids, IA
Primary Item (H2)Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
UI Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Eastern Iowa Womens Health Center might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
4251 River Center Ct NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (University of Iowa LGBTQ Clinic) might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
105 E 9th St, Coralville, IA 52241, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
227 N Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA 52245, USA
If you call ahead you might be able to get in that day. You can also go online and look through their availability calendar and find a time that is best for you.
Anyone over 14 can get an appointment. without bringing their parents. Calling ahead can also get you enrolled in a plan that will help cover testing expenses.
You can everything from Pep and PrEP at Planned Parenthood. Free condoms are also available for men and women. After all these years, the organization is still at the forefront when it comes to protecting your sexual health.
3425 1st Ave SE #100, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
501 13th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405, USA
While the city does still use the abstinence only program suggested by the Federal Government there might soon be a change in the material included in the sexual education classes offered to high school students. Even the local officials are not ready to start discussing sex and STDs with middle school students, they are willing to admit that something needs to be done to protect teenagers and young adults.
The bill currently being discussed in the state capitol will make it mandatory for all public high schools to implement the new curriculum if it passes, and health officials are hopeful that this is just the first step in a proactive fight against STDs. What sets this bill apart from others introduced around the country is that it was written with the help of those who will be the most affected.
Several high school students helped to write the bill and have asked that it include information on dating violence, STDs along with ways to protect themselves when they are sexually active. State law makers who helped sponsor the bill are also hopeful that this will give teens a safe place to discuss their concerns and fears about STDs and the responsibilities they need to take when they do engage in sexual activity.
The demographics in the city and county are affecting the STD rates, but the numbers are disproportionate when compared. The majority of the residents in the area are Caucasian and they do account for most of the STD diagnosis, but Hispanics, Asians and African Americans have a higher percentage rate of infection.
In 2012 it was estimated that 43 percent of the gonorrhea cases were in African Americans, who only comprise around 4 percent of the population. The same is also true for Chlamydia rates, along with those for HIV/AIDS. What these numbers suggest is that more needs to be done to educate minorities on the importance of regular testing.
There are several reasons why the STD rates for Cedar Rapids do not match the population numbers, but the main cause is a lack of education. Many teens and young adults do not understand the dangers associated with being sexually active, and a larger majority simply does not care.
Adding to the problem is a lack of community health centers in lower income neighborhoods, and recent budget cuts are forcing more clinics to close its doors. Without these centers many residents simple cannot afford to be tested, and fewer clinics also mean long lines and crowded waiting rooms. While this might be inconvenient, it is still important for everyone in the city to be tested regularly.
Before spending a day on the river or exploring the impressive Masonic Library and Museum take a few minutes for your sexual health. With the shortage of community health centers finding a place to be tested quickly and easily can seem almost impossible. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing simply by making one quick and easy phone call. Instead of spending hours in a noisy and crowded waiting you can simply walk into a nearby lab. It only takes 20 minutes or so to be tested.
Reference:
http://www.kcrg.com/content/news/Bill-Requiring-Expanding-Sex-Education-Survives-Funnel-369199161.html
http://www.linncounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/2144
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.