STD Testing in Elgin, IL

There are many clinics in and around Elgin where you can get free or low-cost STD testing. Testing can be done confidentially with or without insurance.

According to the CDC, Illinois had some of the highest rates of new chlamydia and gonorrhea cases in the nation in 2019. Syphilis is also prevalent in the state, making regular STD testing important for protecting your sexual health if you live in Elgin.

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health offers free testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia as part of its addiction prevention program and often provides testing and counseling services at public venues. Greater Elgin Family Care Center offers a sliding fee discount program for STD testing and may have services fully discounted, depending on their income and family size. Open Door Health Center offers comprehensive, stigma-free care, specifically for those in the LGBTQI+ community, including confidential and anonymous testing at its Elgin location and community events, schools, and other organizations.

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 Elgin, IL?

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 Elgin, IL?

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 Elgin, IL?

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:

Ecker Center for Behavioral Health is a behavioral treatment center that provides addiction prevention and treatment services. This nonprofit agency offers an array of clinical services for those living with addiction, including drug and alcohol prevention services and community outreach programs. Its prevention program offers free testing for HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for those at risk. Testing is available by appointment on-site or on a walk-in basis through the outreach program, which provides testing and counseling services at public venues, such as bars and parks.

2 American Way Elgin, IL 60120, (847) 695-0484
Website

Greater Elgin, Family Care Center, operates summit Health Center. It provides various healthcare services for adults and seniors, including chronic disease management, preventative care services, free pregnancy testing, and STD testing and treatment. Appointments are required for services and can be made over the phone, and same-day or next-day appointments are typically available. The clinic accepts patients with and without health insurance, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Uninsured patients may be eligible for the clinic’s sliding fee discount program and may have services fully discounted, depending on their income and family size.

373 Summit Street Elgin, IL 60120, (844) 599-3700
Website

Open Door Health Center is a sexual health and wellness services provider in the Greater Fox Valley region that offers comprehensive, stigma-free care, specifically for those in the LGBTQI+ community. It has certified counselors who can help clients assess their own risk of contracting HIV and STDs and provide education and referrals for supportive services. The center also provides confidential and anonymous testing at its Elgin location and community events, schools, and other organizations. Testing is available at the Elgin clinic by appointment. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans are accepted, and qualifying individuals are charged based on a sliding scale.

1665 Larkin Avenue Elgin, IL 60123, (847) 695-1093
Website

VNA Health Center is located in Aurora, about 20 miles to the south of Elgin, and offers a wide array of health care services for area residents. You may receive simple and confidential STD testing. If you don’t have health insurance, you may qualify for free testing and treatment. In addition to STD testing and treatment, the clinic provides other health services, such as mental and behavioral health, mammography, nutrition counseling, and podiatry. Appointments are needed for services and can be made by calling the clinic, and same-day appointments may be available.

400 N. Highland Avenue Aurora, IL 60506, (630) 892-4355
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