STD Testing Bloomington, IN

If you’re sexually active, taking responsibility for your health and that of your partners is important – especially given that some STDs do not show symptoms right away. One of the easiest ways to stay healthy is with regular screenings.

In Indiana overall, sexually transmitted diseases reached their highest rates as of 2018, after increasing for five straight years. In Monroe County, where Bloomington is located, chlamydia cases reached a rate of 647.3 per 100,000 residents, with women and young adults the most likely to be affected .

The good news is testing is low cost and confidential at several Bloomington locations. One example is Monroe County Health Department, which provides STD testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, as well as free condoms.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.

Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.

A routine STD panel may include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in Bloomington, IN?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer 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.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in Bloomington, IN?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in Bloomington, IN?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

Bloomington Health Center operates the Planned Parenthood program, which offers testing for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, herpes, and genital warts. Treatments are also available for some infections. STD prevention services are provided, including condoms, Gardasil (HPV) and hepatitis B vaccines, and STD and safer sex education. Services are available by appointment Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and every other Friday (between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m) and every other Saturday (from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

421 South College Avenue Bloomington, IN 47403, 317-205-8088
Website

The Monroe County Health Department provides HIV testing, STD testing and treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes, as well as free condoms. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on income. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted if openings are available. Spanish-speaking interpreters are available by appointment only. Clinic hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesdays between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

119 West 7th Street, Lower Level Bloomington, IN 47404, 812-349-7343
Website

Community Capacity for Prevention and Education is funded by a grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, with the goal of reducing HIV and substance abuse. It provides free rapid blood HIV testing via an oral swab with results in 30-45 minutes. It also offers one-on-one counseling and referrals for treatment. Free testing is only available to Monroe County residents aged 13-24. Services are provided Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

822 West 1st Street, Suite 8 Bloomington, IN 47403, 812-340-4630
Website

IU Health Positive Link offers free rapid blood HIV and hepatitis C testing. It also provides conventional blood HIV testing, syphilis testing, and access to PrEP for HIV prevention. For those diagnosed with HIV, IU Health offers a full continuum of services at no cost to ensure positive health outcomes. Besides medical care, these services may include assistance paying bills, mental health care, transportation assistance, nutritional assistance, and supportive care.

333 East Miller Drive Bloomington, IN 47401, 812-353-9150
Website

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed September 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed September 2021