Preferred Location: 11208 Aurora Ave Bldg 12 Urbandale,IA 50322 Urbandale Change location
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
You might think that there’s little in Iowa besides cornfields, but you’d be wrong. With various museums such as the National Mississippi River Museum and the ever-popular Iowa State Fair, there’s a great deal of unexpected knowledge and fun available for everyone. Speaking of unexpected, did you know that nearly half of the population will have an STD in their lifetime? That’s a big number. While cases of gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis are low overall in Iowa compared to the national average, you can still be infected. How do you know if you’ve been infected? You get tested. There are several free clinics in the area, but wait times might be long. Instead, you can make a phone call and find a local lab that can see you in less than half an hour. That leaves plenty of time to have a little fun.
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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days
15 min test
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Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
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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.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
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Description: Community Based Organization.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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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. Walk ins are taken based on how busy the center is at the time of walk in. Attempt is made to accommodate all who come.
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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
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Description: All on-site HIV testing is by appointment only. HIV Self-Testing is mail based
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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
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Description: Religious Organization. Walk-in hours Mon. and Thurs. 10:30am-4:00pm. Fexible scheduling. Individuals can request an appointment outside of those hours
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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
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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.
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Hours
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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
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In 2013, Iowa was ranked 36th among the states and territories on STD prevalence. But don’t let that low number fool you. The rate of some sexually transmitted diseases in Iowa has been on the rise in urban areas such as Blackhawk County. Cases of chlamydia have risen. Much of the STD cases are in urban areas; however, anyone who is sexually active is at risk.
Iowa has several testing sites all over the state. In urban areas, there are more testing centers to accommodate the higher populations. Counties often share testing sites in rural areas.
Sexually transmitted diseases are bacterial or viral infections spread through sexual contact. With the number of cases increasing across the country, it has never been more important to get tested regularly if you are sexually active. Many people infected with STDs never show symptoms so sometimes there’s no way to tell.
Some quick facts from the CDC:
The Iowa Board of Education only recommends STD and HIV instruction. Any other sex education is up to the individual school district. With school budget cuts, any advanced type of sex education may or may not make it to the curriculum especially within struggling school systems. This often leaves a vast gap of knowledge in Iowa’s youth that leaves them susceptible to early sexual encounters and sexually transmitted diseases.
Sex education across the U.S. advocates abstinence as the only way to prevent teen pregnancy and STDs. Depending on the state, it can be a comprehensive study of sexuality or a brief overview of sex. States that have optional sex education programs often rank near the national average on stats on teen births and STD rates among teens.
Quick facts on teen pregnancies in the state:
Some of these stats are not unique to the county. It makes it very clear that teens are sexually active at a young age.
Routine screenings are especially important if you are sexually active and a teen. If you are worried about your parents finding out, STD screenings are available for teens even without parental consent. However, in some instances, parents or guardians can be notified that services have been received because of legal or billing regulations.
This should not stop you from being tested. Many STD’s can be cured or managed with the right treatment. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are all bacterial infections which can be cured by antibiotics if they are caught early. Other infections such as herpes and genital warts are manageable with the right medications.
The only way to know if you are infected is to get tested.
The state has a very diverse population demographics. Sixty-one percent of the population lived in urban areas at the turn of the century. While Iowa has been suffering from urban-flight, the state has continued to grow. While this might seem of little concern to some, when it comes to STD it makes a huge difference.
Iowa like many states with large rural areas must focus on two very different demographics. The STD rates in the urban areas are high while the rural rates are low. Nebraska has to focus on educating the urban areas without alienating the rural areas.
But the message is clear no matter where you live. Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Your risk is increased by certain factors such as:
While many STDs can be cured if caught early, some infections can only be managed with medications. Not every infection results in symptoms which make it more difficult to determine if you have been infected. The only sure way to know is to be tested.
History has a way of making you realize how short life really is. Go ahead and enjoy a great evening with your partner, just remember to play it safe. That means getting tested. While you may feel fine, you could be carrying an infection that could be passed on to your partner. With a phone call, you can schedule an appointment at a private clinic. There are clinics all over the state. Within 30 minutes you are on your way in plenty of time enjoy everything Iowa has to offer.
https://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/stateprofiles/pdf/iowa_profile.pdf
Your preferred location: 11208 Aurora Ave Bldg 12 Urbandale,IA 50322 Urbandale Change Location
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