Free STD Testing in Fort Collins, CO

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.
 

In 2018, the three most commonly reported STDs in Larimer County and its seat, Fort Collins, were chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Larimer County’s number of cases remained in the state’s lower-to-midrange level of reported incidents between 2014 and 2018. However, its chlamydia rate per 100,000 residents rose 48.4%, gonorrhea 293%, and primary and secondary syphilis 52.6% during the same time frame.

In 2018, Larimer County reported an overall chlamydia rate of 428.6 per 100,000 persons compared to Colorado’s 511.4. Of Colorado’s 29,124 chlamydia cases, females accounted for 63.4% of the total.

The state’s 20-24 age group reported the majority of infections with 6,500. Females significantly outnumbered males in this category, making up 85.7% of the group’s total. While 15-19 year-olds placed second in the total number of chlamydia cases, incidents among females were more than four times that of males’ 1,700 documented cases.

Colorado’s 8,894 cases of gonorrhea yielded a rate of 156.2 per 100,000 individuals, reflecting a 163.79% increase over 2014’s rates. By contrast, the United States’ 179.1 per 100,000 in 2018 represented an increase of 63.1% over 2014’s rate of 109.8.

Males accounted for the greater number of Colorado’s gonorrhea cases and rates per 100,000 in 2018, with the exception of the 15-19 age group, where female rates of 404.7 per 100,000 outnumbered males’ 208.4.

The highest number of Colorado’s reported gonorrhea cases occurred in the 25-29 age range, where the males’ rate of 560.4 surpassed that of females’ 336.5 per 100,000. The state’s data followed the national trend, with females’ 548.1 per 100,000 outnumbering males’ 320.5 in the 15-19 age group. Males led with the number of gonorrhea cases nationally in other age categories, however. The 20-24-year-old group accounted for the highest numbers, with males’ 720.9 per 100,000 followed closely with females’ 702.6.

Larimer County’s 2018 primary and secondary syphilis rate of 2.9 per 100,000 indicated a 52.6% increase over that of 2014. While showing a sizable growth, the county’s numbers fall below Colorado’s 68.5% increase and the United States’ 71.4% rise during the same time period.

Males accounted for a large majority of the state’s cases overall — 92.6% of Colorado’s 337 primary and secondary syphilis cases in 2018. The state’s 25-29 age group represented the highest number of infections. That category’s 81 diagnoses translated to a rate of 18.9 per 100,000 persons.

Because the majority of STDs are asymptomatic, or individuals mistake the symptoms for other disorders, infections are easily transmitted between partners. That’s why getting tested regularly is so important for sexually active adolescents and adults. Some STDs are curable, and all are treatable. Left unchecked, however, they can lead to serious health problems. Larimer County and the surrounding areas offer several free and low-cost STD clinic options for those without insurance.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources in Fort Collins that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:

Planned Parenthood provides testing, diagnosis, and treatment for STDs and HIV. Its team of professionals also offers STD counseling and educational resources as well as recommendations for using preventative measures, such as condoms. The clinic is a resource for general health care for men and women in addition to offering birth control, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, and abortion services. Planned Parenthood works on a sliding-fee scale and also accepts insurance plans and Medicaid. The facility is open for walk-ins and appointments Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

825 South Shields Street
Fort Collins, CO 80521
970-493-0281
Website

The medical team at the Larimer County Health Department’s clinic works with individuals who require STD and HIV testing and diagnoses. Other resources provided through the facility include HPV vaccinations and various types of birth control methods, including long-lasting options, such as IUDs. The health department clinic services are available on a sliding-fee scale, and all consultations are confidential. Hours vary depending on location and day.

1525 Blue Spruce Drive
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-498-6700
Website

The Colorado Health Network’s medical clinic tests and treats individuals for STDs and HIV/AIDS. Its trained professionals also offer confidential and compassionate counseling and support as well as prevention and educational resources. The facility’s other services include general medical, behavioral, and oral health care. The clinic is open varying hours Monday through Saturday; however, STD testing is only by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Its services are available on a sliding-fee scale, and the facility also accepts a range of insurance plans.

400 Remington Street, Suite 100
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-484-4469
Website

The Alpha Center offers STD and HIV testing, treatment, and referrals for adolescents and adults. The clinic also provides pregnancy resources, including testing and ultrasound, as well as abortion and adoption services. The facility’s professionals assist new parents with parenting education and counseling. The center requires appointments and operates on a sliding-fee scale.

1212 South College Avenue
Fort Collins, CO 80524
970-239-2272
Website

For individuals who live or work south of Fort Collins, seeking care in Boulder County is another option. The Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center provides STD and HIV testing and treatment for men, women, and adolescents. The clinic works with patients on sliding-fee scales, and it accepts a variety of health insurance plans. Walk-in services are available for established patients, while those new to the practice are required to make an appointment. The facility’s other resources include cancer screenings, general health care, and birth control.

2855 Valmont Road
Boulder, CO 80301
303-442-5160
Website

• https://www.cdc.gov/std/stats18/toc.htm
• https://cdphe.colorado.gov/sti-and-hivaids-epidemiology-reports
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-gL5Ht_Nqdz6gakJZZQb-2H1ujPod8va/view