Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer
Home / County / Department / Health / Testing

Lake County Health Department Std Testing

  • Introduction to Lake County Health Department STD Testing

  • Why Get Tested for STDs?

    • What are STDs?
    • Why is testing important?
    • Who should get tested?

  • What STDs are Tested at Lake County Health Department?

    • Chlamydia
    • Gonorrhea
    • Herpes
    • HIV
    • HPV
    • Syphilis

  • How to Make an Appointment for STD Testing

    • Online Booking Process
    • Call Center Assistance

  • What to Expect During the STD Testing Process

    • Confidentiality and Comfort
    • Testing Procedures
    • Results Explanation

  • Important Information about STDs and Prevention

    • Transmission Routes
    • Prevention Methods
    • Impact of STDs on Health

  • Special Services at Lake County Health Department STD Clinic

    • Partner Notification Services
    • PrEP/PEP Consultation

  • Accessibility and Affordability

    • Insurance Coverage
    • Sliding Scale Fees
    • Free Services

  • Conclusion

  • Resources and Contacts

    • Lake County Health Department STD Clinic
    • Other Local STD Resources
    • National STD Hotlines and Websites

Introduction to Lake County Health Department STD Testing

The Lake County Health Department STD Clinic is a trusted provider of confidential and affordable STD testing services in the Lake County area. With an experienced team of medical professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, the clinic offers comprehensive testing, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services for a wide range of sexually transmitted infections. Whether you are concerned about your own sexual health or that of your partner, the clinic can provide the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your sexual health.

Why Get Tested for STDs?

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected person. They can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including infertility, chronic pain, and even death. Testing is important for several reasons:

What are STDs?

STDs are infections that are spread through sexual contact with an infected partner. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and they can affect both men and women. Common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis.

Why is testing important?

Testing is the only way to know for sure whether you have an STD. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious health problems and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. Many STDs do not have symptoms, so getting tested regularly is important even if you feel fine.

Who should get tested?

All sexually active individuals should get tested for STDs regularly, regardless of their age, gender, or sexual orientation. This includes people who have only had one sexual partner or who practice safe sex. The CDC recommends annual testing for all sexually active adults under the age of 25, as well as for older adults who have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.

What STDs are Tested at Lake County Health Department?

The Lake County Health Department STD Clinic offers testing and treatment for a variety of sexually transmitted infections, including:
  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhea
  • Herpes
  • HIV
  • HPV
  • Syphilis

How to Make an Appointment for STD Testing

Making an appointment for STD testing at the Lake County Health Department STD Clinic is easy and convenient. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling the clinic's call center.

Online Booking Process

To schedule an appointment online, simply visit the clinic's website and click on the Book Online button. You will be prompted to select the type of test you need and choose a date and time that works for you. You can also provide your insurance information and fill out any necessary forms online.

Call Center Assistance

If you prefer to make an appointment by phone, you can call the clinic's call center and speak to a representative who can help you schedule an appointment that fits your schedule and needs.

What to Expect During the STD Testing Process

At the Lake County Health Department STD Clinic, your comfort and confidentiality are our top priorities. Our experienced medical professionals will provide you with a safe and supportive environment for testing and treatment.

Confidentiality and Comfort

All testing and treatment procedures are strictly confidential. We understand that discussing sensitive health issues can be difficult, so we strive to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for all of our patients.

Testing Procedures

Testing procedures vary depending on the type of STD being tested for. Generally, testing involves a sample of blood, urine, or swab from the affected area. Results are usually available within a few days.

Results Explanation

If your test results come back positive, our medical professionals will provide you with counseling and treatment options. Our staff can also assist you in notifying your sexual partners and connect you with additional resources if needed.

Important Information about STDs and Prevention

Understanding the transmission routes and prevention methods for STDs is crucial to protecting your sexual health and that of your partners.

Transmission Routes

STDs can be transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Sharing needles or other injection equipment with an infected person can also transmit some STDs.

Prevention Methods

The best way to prevent STDs is to practice safe sex by using condoms or dental dams during sexual activity. Limiting the number of sexual partners and avoiding high-risk behaviors such as unprotected sex and sharing needles can also reduce the risk of infection.

Impact of STDs on Health

STDs can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including chronic pain, infertility, and even death in some cases. Regular testing and treatment can prevent these complications and help protect your long-term health.

Special Services at Lake County Health Department STD Clinic

In addition to testing and treatment services, the Lake County Health Department STD Clinic offers several special services to support the sexual health of our patients.

Partner Notification Services

Our clinic provides partner notification services to help patients inform their sexual partners of a positive STD diagnosis. This can help prevent the spread of infection and ensure that partners receive the treatment they need.

PrEP/PEP Consultation

Our staff can provide consultation and referral services for patients interested in PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), medications that can help prevent HIV infection.

Accessibility and Affordability

At the Lake County Health Department STD Clinic, we believe that everyone should have access to affordable and high-quality sexual health services. We offer several options for payment and insurance coverage to ensure that our services are accessible to all.

Insurance Coverage

We accept most major insurance plans, and our staff can help you understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses.

Sliding Scale Fees

For patients without insurance or who cannot afford to pay for services, we offer sliding scale fees based on income and other factors.

Free Services

The clinic also offers free testing and treatment services for certain STDs, including syphilis and HIV, through grant programs and partnerships with local organizations.

Conclusion

If you are concerned about your sexual health or that of your partner, the Lake County Health Department STD Clinic is here to help. With comprehensive testing, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services, our experienced medical professionals can provide you with the information and support you need to stay healthy and safe.

Resources and Contacts

If you need more information or assistance with STD testing or treatment, the following resources may be helpful:
  • Lake County Health Department STD Clinic: (847) 377-8450
  • Other Local STD Resources:
    • - Planned Parenthood of Illinois: (312) 592-6800
    • - NorthShore University HealthSystem: (888) 364-6400
  • National STD Hotlines and Websites:
    • - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
    • - National Sexual Health Hotline: 1-800-232-4636
    • - American Sexual Health Association: www.ashasexualhealth.org

People Also Ask about Lake County Health Department STD Testing

What STDs can be tested for at the Lake County Health Department?

The Lake County Health Department offers testing for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B and C.

Do I need an appointment for STD testing at the Lake County Health Department?

Yes, appointments are required for STD testing at the Lake County Health Department. You can schedule an appointment by calling their clinic at (847) 377-8450.

How much does STD testing cost at the Lake County Health Department?

The cost of STD testing at the Lake County Health Department varies depending on the type of test. However, they offer a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. They also accept some insurance plans. It's best to contact their clinic at (847) 377-8450 for more information on pricing and payment options.

How long does it take to get STD test results from the Lake County Health Department?

The time it takes to get STD test results from the Lake County Health Department varies depending on the type of test. Some tests, such as rapid HIV tests, can provide results in as little as 20 minutes. Other tests may take a few days to a week to get results. You will be notified by phone or mail when your results are ready.