Free STD Testing in Iowa City, IA

The  Iowa Disease Surveillance Data report provides extensive information on the spread of STDs in the state of Iowa. These statistics show how STDs affect residents of Iowa City and the wider Johnson County area.

In 2016, there were 862 cases of Chlamydia in Johnson County at a rate of 598 per 100,000 population. The year’s cases experienced a 10% increase with the addition of 79 new cases from the previous year. In comparison, Iowa had a total of 12,983 cases in 2016 and a rate of 416 per 100,000 population. Johnson County accounted for 6.6% of the state’s total cases.

The Gonorrhea cases in Johnson County increased by 29% from 2015 to 2016. There were 128 cases of Gonorrhea in 2016 and a rate of 69 per 100,000 population. In Iowa, 2,600 cases were reported and a rate of 83 per 100,000 population. About 5% of Iowa’s Gonorrhea cases are found in Johnson County.  

According to the 2016 Iowa Disease Surveillance Data report, Johnson County reported 2 cases of Primary and Secondary Syphilis, 4 cases of Early Latent Syphilis and 13 cases of Late Syphilis. The rate in 2016 was 13.0 per 100,000 population. There were 5 fewer cases of Syphilis in 2016 than in the previous year. Iowa, on the other hand, reported a total of 228 Syphilis cases. The statewide rate of 7.3 was lower than the rate in Johnson County.

In 2016, the number of Iowans living with Diagnosed HIV Disease in Johnson County was 162. The county had the fifth highest HIV rate in the state, behind Polk County, Pottawattamie County, Scott County and Linn County.

Recent reports show that 34% of Iowa high school students are sexually active. Since it is clear the local teens are engaged in sexual activity, it is critical that they receive reliable information about sexual health. Teens need to know how to prevent STDs, HIV and unwanted pregancy. Safe sex and contraception use are two ways to reduce these risks.  

According to the Guttmacher Institute, an organization committed to advancing sexual health rights, Iowa is one of 24 states in the United States that mandates sexual education programs. Sexual education and HIV education is required, and when it is taught, sexual education must be medically accurate and age appropriate. Iowa law states that parents must be provided notice of sexual education programs and given the ability to opt-out.

A survey by The Gazette found that sexual education programs in Eastern Iowa schools often vary widely. Some programs are comprehensive, while others provide minimal information. Topics may also vary between schools without consistent coverage of STD prevention. This trend is common throughout the United States. Without comprehensive standards at the state and federal levels, these programs are often inconsistent and reflect local decisions about how to cover these topics. However, reliable and consistent information is very important.

Students in Iowa City attend public schools run by the  Iowa City Community School District. There are two high schools in the district including Iowa City High School and Iowa City West High School. Although few details are provided by the board of education, health education programs are included in the curriculum at these schools.

68.3% of Chlamydia cases in Iowa were reported among males. In 2016, there were 8,872 females cases, compared to 4,111 male cases. The rate among African Americans was highest at 2,369 per 100,000 population. The highest number of cases, however, were among Whites. 8,178 cases were found among the group in 2016. In Iowa, the highest rates were shown among individuals aged 15-19 and 20-24 years old.

Similar to nationwide trends, the Gonorrhea rate in Iowa was highest among African Americans. In 2016, 762 cases were reported among the group at a rate of 726 per 100,000 population. Whites reported a total of 1,489 cases. The highest rates for Gonorrhea were displayed among the 20-24 and 25-29 age brackets. The number of cases was roughly equal among males and females.

Over 90% of all Syphilis cases in Iowa were found among males. Of the state’s 89 cases, 83 were male cases in 2016. Whites showed the highest percentage of positives. In fact, 83% of the state’s cases were reported by Whites. The 25-29 age bracket was responsible for 19 total cases, and the 30-34 age bracket had a total of 13 cases.

In 2016, there were 136 new HIV diagnoses in Iowa. In total, 106 cases were male cases. That’s 78% of the state’s cases. Individuals aged 25-44 years old showed the highest rates in the state. Non-Hispanic Whites had the most cases, and African Americans had the second highest number of cases.

• Over 90% of all Syphilis cases in Iowa were found among males.
• Gonorrhea rate in Iowa was highest among African Americans.
• The highest Chlamydia rates were shown among individuals aged 15-19 and 20-24 years old.

Don’t worry about where you will get tested for STDs in Iowa City. There are plenty of great locations in Johnson County and in Iowa City itself. You won’t have to travel far to get tested in the area. Quality STD testing services are available right around the corner.

Informed Choices’ Iowa City Medical Clinic provides STD testing, diagnosis and treatment for men and women. The clinic is located at 821 S Gilbert Street in Iowa City. The clinic also provides comprehensive sexual education resources. Appointments can be made online.

Emma Goldman Clinic offers a “feminist approach to healthcare.” The clinic is located at 227 N Dubuque Street in Iowa City. A full range of tests for sexually transmitted infections is available here. 

Johnson County Public Health is dedicated to improving the public health of Iowa City and the greater Johnson County area. Public health resources include STD testing and treatment. The clinic is located at 855 S Dubuque Street in Iowa City. Resources are available for uninsured patients.

At the Planned Parenthood of the Heartland’s Iowa City Health Center, a full range of STD testing and treatment services are available. Located at 850 Orchard Street in Iowa City, the clinic is one of Iowa City’s most reliable testing centers. Appointments can be made online, and patients can also walk in. Free condoms and sexual health resources are included in the clinic’s offerings.

A magazine once ranked Iowa City eighth in its survey of “America’s 10 Most Enlightened Towns.” Hawkeyes would be smart to get tested for STDs. There are many STD testing resources available in the Johnson County area. Taking advantage of these resources can lead to better sexual health.

Recently, STD rates in Johnson County have increased. Gonorrhea cases, for example, increased by 29% from 2015 to 2016. Increased rates requires greater vigilance and preventative action. In addition to practicing safe sex, STD testing should be conducted regularly.