McDonough County Health Department offers Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis and HIV testing. Testing is done by appointment only and is based on risk factors and/or presence of symptoms. Symptoms for women may include but are not limited to: Vaginal discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, or painful, frequent urination. Symptoms for men may include but many not be limited to: Painful or frequent urination, inability to urinate, discharge from the penis, or abdominal pain.
Limited testing is available and screenings, counseling, and education are performed by a nurse. A urine sample is collected for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. A blood sample is collected for Syphilis and HIV.
Treatment is available for clients who test positive and for their partner for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
STD Testing is available on some Monday and Tuesday mornings, and Wednesday afternoons by appointment only. Please contact us at 309-837- 9951 ext 2270 to schedule an appointment.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are some of the most commonly reported diseases in the United States. It is estimated that there are almost 20 million new STD infections each year in the United States. Of these new infections, half are among young people age 15-24. Many STDs can be easily diagnosed and treated. It is common that many people will not have any symptoms when they are infected with an STD. This makes screening for STDs important to prevent serious health problems from untreated STD infections.
Ways to protect yourself from getting an STD are:
- Abstinence
- Using Condoms
- Being in a Mutually Monogamous Relationship
- Reducing your Number of Sex Partners
*Free condoms are available at the health department for pick up.