STD Testing in Iowa

Getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Iowa can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially those with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are a national concern, and Iowa has a higher rate of gonorrhea than the national average, ranking 18th in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Iowa fares a bit better for the other major STDs, ranking 24th for chlamydia and 40th for syphilis.

Many STDs are curable. For those that aren’t, treatments are usually available to help manage symptoms and prevent you from passing them on to others. If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the only way to know if you have an STD and get the treatment you need to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous Iowa STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. For example, the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic offers free testing, while Planned Parenthood locations throughout the state offer sexual health services, including STD testing and treatment.

Iowa STD Testing Directory

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

STD Trends in Iowa

Iowa’s reported STDs are below average, except for gonorrhea, which is above average. Some underlying causes of increased STDs in Iowa relate to a complex network of social factors. These factors may include economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources. Startling trends seen in Iowa include:

Testing Graph Iowa

Source: CDC 2020 STD Surveillance Report

STD Screening Recommendations and Risk Factors

If you have sex, you are at risk for getting an STD. According to the CDC, risk factors for STDs include:

  • Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Anonymous sex partners
  • Sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Injection of drugs or sharing needles

Should you get tested for STDs? And how often? Talk to your doctor to be sure, but you should generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in Iowa:

Free STD Testing Centers in Iowa

Community-based STD testing organizations help expand access to sexual health services by offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment.

You may choose a community testing center if cost, insurance coverage, privacy, or access to a regular healthcare provider is a concern. While some centers charge a small fee, many offer free or low-cost STD testing and additional support services. Below are examples of community-based resources where reduced-cost testing may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in Iowa

Which STD has the highest number of cases in Iowa?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in Iowa at a rate of 478.5 cases per 100,000 people. But Iowa ranks higher for gonorrhea at 14th in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 219.3 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in Iowa?

There are free STD clinics in Iowa, including the Iowa Department of Health and the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic.

How much does STD testing cost in Iowa?

STD test pricing depends on location and the type of test you are getting. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, provide free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At-home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

What is included in a full STD panel?

If you go for a full STD panel, that typically includes testing for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Does insurance cover STD testing?

Depending on various factors, your insurance coverage may or may not cover (or fully cover) STD tests. This includes the clinic you visit, the test type, your insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket responsibilities. Most public and private STD clinics accept insurance, but it’s always smart to contact the clinic before your visit to ask.

How long does it take to get STD results?

The turnaround time of STD results varies. Some clinics may offer rapid results in as little as a half-hour, such as HIV test results. Other tests, like bacterial ones for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can take a few days up to a week to deliver results.

STD Resources in Iowa

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. Numerous authoritative resources at the state and national levels provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.