Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become more common in the USA regardless of age. The worst-impacted population group is people aged 15-24. Those living with HIV are at an increased risk of other STIs, whereas those with untreated STIs can develop HIV. Most infections don't cause any symptoms early on, so without testing/screening, it is impossible to detect them, especially if you have a low CD4 count. Iowa offers free to low-cost STI/HIV testing clinics statewide, and same-day results are offered for common STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Learn more about STI testing in Des Moines, Iowa, here.
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Iowa's STI prevalence rate still touched an all-time high in 2019-2020, with syphilis increasing by over 53%, gonorrhea by 30%, and chlamydia becoming the state's most common notifiable STI. In Polk County, authorities registered 28 positive STI diagnoses per week in 2019, which increased to 78 per week in 2022. cases of HIV and all common STIs have increased in 2022 in Polk County. This led to an unprecedented rise in congenital syphilis cases among infants that can cause developmental delays and even death. Find your nearest STD/HIV testing clinic in Des Moines, Iowa.
11208 Aurora Ave Bldg 12, Urbandale, Iowa 50322
9.44 mile
Tel: 5152784411
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Primary Health Care (PHC) will not turn a patient away, regardless of ability to pay.
2353 SE 14th St, Des Moines, Iowa 50320
0.93 mile
Tel: (515) 248-1400
Appointment Required: Yes
HIV and STI testing is free and open to the general public. The PrEP Consultation including testing is free. The appointment with the provider for PrEP treatment will be covered based on insurance. If the person cannot secure insurance there is a sliding fee scale for medical services as a...
1200 University Ave, Ste 120, Des Moines, Iowa 50314
2.24 mile
Tel: (515) 248-1595
Appointment Required: Yes
$5 fee for STD testing and treatment for ages 13 and up. High risk HIV testing- no fee. Low risk HIV testing $25.
1907 Carpenter Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50314
2.71 mile
Tel: (515) 286-3798
Tel: (866) 209-1300
Appointment Required: Yes
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.
2304 University Ave, Des Moines, Iowa 50311
2.76 mile
Tel: (515) 362-8033
Tel: (515) 362-8033
Appointment Required: No
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in Des Moines, Iowa. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.
It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.
Depending on the test being performed and the testing physician's targeted diseases, various types of samples can be requested from you. In some instances, a minuscule blood sample of a few milliliters will be collected, some might ask for a urine sample, and others may opt for a genital swab. Again, the sample being collected will depend on the test being conducted and the outcome that is being targeted for this particular procedure.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
