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
The community of West Des Moines, Iowa is rapidly growing. With that rapid growth, sexually transmitted disease diagnoses are also on the rise.
According to current data from the Iowa Department of Public Health, the number of cases for both chlamydia and gonorrhea continues to surge.
Chlamydia diagnoses have increased 5.8% from 2017, with gonorrhea up a staggering 28.3%. Syphilis reported a decrease, albeit slight, of 1.7 percent in 2018.
The West Des Moines area is an appealing place to live for people of all ages. With so many options available for work, dining, and shoppingโit offers a rich, varied dating scene. State officials report that the majority of new chlamydia diagnoses are being found in young adults under the age of 25. Whereas gonorrhea cases are more commonly found when testing among older age groups. While chlamydia is the most common STD in Iowaโand nationallyโitโs often hard to detect because of its mild or sometimes nonexistent symptoms.
The rise of chlamydia cases in younger people has prompted the county to increase STD testing. Initiatives are even underway to provide better sexual health education to the public. Polk County officials suspect that social media and online dating culture may be partially to blame for the upswing of chlamydia numbers.
Affordable, low cost testing for HIV, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea is available at Planned Parenthood-Rosenfield Health Center on East Army Post road. Primary Health Care on University offers free HIV and STI testing at their clinic. While they do not offer herpes testing at this time they do cover both hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Des Moines clinics with our easy-to-read chart.
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.
Formerly known as AIDS Project of Central Iowa, The Project of PHC is a non-profit organization thatโs been providing standard HIV/AIDS health-care services to Central Iowans for over three decades. Although primarily an AIDS foundation, its physicians also provide other STD testing services. Rapid HIV and Hepatitis C tests are available and clients may expect the results in approximately 30 minutes. Other STD tests may utilize blood draws, urine samples, or rectal and throat swabs, and physicians may release these results in approximately four to seven days.
InnerVisions HealthCare is a non-profit Pregnancy clinic that aims to provide clients with compassionate care as they face unwanted pregnancies. Some of the services available include pregnancy, ultrasound, abortion pill reversal, post-abortion support, and STD testing. The health center is staffed with doctors and nurses who strive to provide clients with individualized services.
Located in Ames, IA, Obria Medical Clinics is a medical facility that provides professional medical services to everyone who visits the clinic. It offers a range of services, including well-woman care, pregnancy care, ultrasounds, prenatal care, and STD testing and treatment. Part of the skilled medical team available includes OB/GYN physicians and nurses who attend to every client diligently.
For over 3 decades, Agape Pregnancy Center has been serving residents of Des Moines by offering pregnancy, ultrasound, and STD testing services. The clinic has nurses who offer compassionate care to every person in need of medical services. The clinicโs mission is to reach out to people facing unplanned pregnancies, and it has an outreach program that targets youth groups and churches.
Rosenfield Center of Des Moines, IA, is a Planned Parenthood clinic that serves US citizens residing in Des Moines and the surrounding neighborhoods. It has a team of experienced nurses and physicians who are knowledgeable in managing infectious diseases such as STDs. The medical practitioners may offer rapid HIV tests whose results may be released in about 10 to 40 minutes.
Polk County Health Department is run by a board of supervisors, and its mission is to create healthy living conditions for every Polk County citizen as well as those living in surrounding areas. It has joined other health departments in the race towards curbing the spread of STDs in Iowa by offering testing, treatment, and prevention services. Physicians offer rapid HIV tests and they may release the results within an hour.
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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: 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: 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, and proof of residence. Only open the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month
Description: All on-site HIV testing is by appointment only. HIV Self-Testing is mail based
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, proof of residence.
Top STD Testing Locations in West Des Moines, IA
Primary Item (H2)Any Iowan residing in West Des Moines may qualify for free HIV/STD screening. The health center may charge some of its services at a low-cost.
PLWHA may receive comprehensive care and support services available at the facility, including dental care, medication management, behavioral health, and transportation services. The clinic also offers safer sex supplies such as condoms, lubricants, and dental dams free of charge.
1200 University Ave #120, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
STD tests at the clinic are available free of charge to everyone. Moreover, the medical team doesnโt discriminate against age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. Also, clients should carry valid driverโs licenses or school IDs when they visit the clinic.
Residents of West Des Moines in need of STD services may call the facility to schedule an appointment with the medical professionals. Moreover, you may receive some STD services free of charge. Also, physicians work with confidentiality.
1355 50th St #400, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA
There are no restrictions available for the reception of health care, so you may visit the facility to receive low-cost STD services according to the latest provisions.
All the services available at the health center may be accessed by booking an appointment online. Additionally, the clinicโs online platform allows clients to talk to physicians. Also, medical providers work discreetly so your reason for visiting the facility is confidential.
1606 Golden Aspen Dr #105, Ames, IA 50010, USA
The health-care providers may serve you regardless of sexual orientation, gender, age, race, or religious affiliation. Moreover, they offer STD services free of charge.
Individuals seeking STD services at the facility may call or email to schedule an appointment or walk-in during its open hours. The clinic has an Earn While You Learn program that helps pregnant mothers navigate through their journey and also provides baby items such as blankets and shampoos. The health center also has Spanish-speaking volunteers who assist medical personnel to communicate effectively with residents who speak the language.
2550 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50310, USA
Every resident, regardless of gender, age, or sexual identity, may qualify for STD testing and treatment at the facility. The health center accepts multiple insurance health plans for payment of STD services, and it also avails a state-funded program and sliding scale fee that uninsured persons may benefit from.
Walk-in and appointment bookings are both acceptable for the reception of STD services at the clinic. Moreover, to promote discretion, the medical team may require that you collect your STD results in person. Also, the health center has language interpreters who may offer translation services when clients request.
1000 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315, USA
STD testing and treatment services are available to residents aged 13 years and above. Additionally, physicians charge low-cost fees for STD services.
If you need STD services, you may schedule same-day appointments at the health department or walk-in if you donโt have STD symptoms. Additionally, the medical team can offer services in Spanish or English depending on your choice. Also, the health departmentโs staff follows a code of conduct that states they should work with confidentiality.
1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314, USA
With the escalating rates of STD infection within the city, the health community is committed and has focused its efforts in controlling the spread of these diseases. The State and the Nationโs Health Departments have also collaborated with the city and county government to look into the STD infection solution. According to several researches done over the last five years, lack of sufficient sexual education has been the greatest contributing factor. ย The city has embarked on a mission to offer medically accurate and age appropriate sexual education to the locals.
The city of Des Moines has been over reliant on abstinence only policy over the last decade. This policy teaches middle and high school students that itโs only through complete abstinence from sex that would prevent STD infection and unwanted pregnancies. The delivery channel being through the schoolโs curriculum, most of the basic sexual information has not been given to the residents. The youth and the unmarried have been urged to abstain from sex and wait till marriage. This has not been very effective considering that more than 47% of the students according to a research have had sex while in their high school and middle school years.
Abstinence plus or comprehensive sexual education is another type of sex education where students are taught about sexuality on a wider scope including, condom usage, contraception methods, attributes of a healthy relationship and ways of evading sex adventures. Through a thorough comprehensive sex education, students will be able to make sound sex decisions. COnsidering this to be the best option the health community has, parent organizations and school stakeholders are pushing for its full and fast introduction in West Des Moines. The legislature are of the government is also considering passing abstinence plus laws that would allow it to be legitimately introduced in schoolโs curriculum.
Non government organization within the city are also fighting for the full adoption of comprehensive sexual education within the city. This would foster much understanding about family planning and ways of preventing STD infection. Universities and colleges have also organized youth groups to help sensitize the youth on the need for condom usage and other safe sex means to curtail the growth of STD infection.
Though there exists numerous contributing factors to the increase of STDs, demographics has played a key role in the increase of sexually transmitted diseases in West Des Moines city. With the population of the city increasing rapidly over the last five years and estimated to be over the 63,000 mark in the next United States census, its distribution and characteristics greatly impacts the growth of STDs in the city.
The racial makeup of the city is one of the greatest factors that influence the growth of STDs. With the city having more than six races that include, ย ย whites, Asians, Hispanics, Blacks, Natives, among other races, there exists different cultures and practices. These cultures, practices and values have different beliefs in matters of sexuality. Some of the values of these races facilitate sexual interactions amongst individuals. This poses a great danger to the entire population of the city as most individuals are prone to infection.
Increased rates of social crimes amongst the residents of the city. The trend of rapes and prostitution within the city has been increasing over the last five years. In 2010 the rate of rapes per 100,000 population was 22; comparing to the following yearโs rate of 26, it clearly shows an great increase in the number of reported rapes within the city. This increases the chances of STD infection within the city.
Lack of a well structured and planned sexual education program within the city. This is another aspect that has created a gap between what should be known and what is known about sex mostly amongst the youth. Some of the religions, organizations and parents in the city do not support the introduction of comprehensive sexual education. This is a loophole in the fight against STDs as many youths who are curious of exploring sex lack the right information about sex.
Existence of different religions within the city is another contributing factor to the increase of STDs within the city. Different religions have different teachings, some of these teachings necessitate sexual interactions. With the increased sexual interactions, many people are prone to infection. Though there are considerable number of demographical factors that influence the growth of STDs within Des Moines city, outreach programs are helping in sensitizing the locals and offering age appropriate and medically accurate information.
With the increasing rates of STD infection in Des Moines, the county and state health department have devised for ways of curbing the outraging spread of STDs. Health centers across the whole city have been improved so as to accommodate a large number of the population. This is along with all urgent care centers, Parenthood Centers, and Public and Private health facilities.
VA Central Iowa Health Care System is one of the main public health facilities within Moines. This is a completely furnished and established health center with a renown reputation of offering quality health services to the locals. The facility offers appointment basis services which are time conscious. Equipped with the best medical practitioners, the facility offers personalized and confidential STD testing. Along with counselling and education on contraception, this facility handles their clients courteously. No delays for their appointments and they offer medically accurate STD diagnosis. West Des Moines health center is another public health center within the city that offers exemplary STD testing and screening services. Their services are appointment basis and time bound. Also they offer referral services upon clientโs request.
UnityPoint Clinic is a private health center with several branches across the city. It offers time conscious, medically accurate and confidential STD testing services. Their services are appointment basis and are offered by specialists who are highly trained and qualified. No delay in their appointments and they handle their clients with great attention. Mercy Clinics Family Medicine is another private health center with several branches across the city. They offer private and confidential STD testing, counselling and treatment or management services. They offer client follow up services where they monitor the clientโs condition even after leaving the health center. They offer accurate diagnosis and accept all forms of insurance covers.
The Iowa Clinic Urgent Care is another health care center within the city. It offers emergency walk in basis services to the locals regardless of race or religion. Their services are time conscious and extremely accurate and confidential. In the event of a crime they offer evidence by orders of court and the clientโs consent. Mercy Clinics Urgent Care is another health center within Des Moines. It offers medically accurate, private and confidential STD testing services. They also offer referrals upon clientโs request. Their services are walk in basis and attend to emergency cases very fast.
Susan Knapp Parenthood Center is a health facility that offers only appointment basis services to the locals. They offer both contraception and STD testing, counselling, treatment, and management services. Their services are time conscious, private and confidential. West Health Parenthood Center is another planned parenthood center in the city. It is known for its fast paced services that are accurate and confidential. They also offer contraception education and help with counselling services.
The city of West Des Moines is one of the best cities to live in the United States. With a cool ambience for residence, it has attracted many people both domestically and internationally. This has led to influx of people in the city which has in turn increased the rates of STD infection within the city.
The increase in STDs in the city has forced the health department to consider policies that would reduce the rates of infection. They introduced abstinence only, which advocated for abstaining from sex till marriage. After several researches showed that more than 47% of middle school students have had sex experiences, and the rates of Gonorrhea and chlamydia going through the roof, the health department is now fighting tooth and nail for the introduction of comprehensive sexual education. Outreach programs are also helping in educating the locals on the need for comprehensive sexual education.
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.