From the McHenry County Health Department:

MCDH promotes prevention, testing as STD rates increase

McHENRY COUNTY — The McHenry County Department of Health has seen an increase in case rates of sexually transmitted diseases and is encouraging people who are sexually active to get tested. 

From 2013 to 2021, the total number of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases have increased by 10%, 250%, and 500% respectively in McHenry County.

The best way to prevent infection is by

• practicing abstinence, 
• using condoms,
• limiting your number of sexual partners,
• mutual monogamy,
• vaccination and
• getting tested for STDs.

Anyone sexually active or about to be sexually active should be tested.

Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for screening recommendations and considerations.

MCDH offers STD testing for

• chlamydia,
• gonorrhea,
• HIV,
• syphilis and
• hepatitis C

via urine and blood specimens. 

Fees for testing vary.  Cash, credit/debit cards and Medicaid are accepted.  Sliding-scale fees are available for self-pay with proof of income.

Call (815) 334-4500 to schedule an appointment, learn more about required documentation or ask other general questions.

STD testing at MCDH’s Crystal Lake clinic, 100 N. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake, is available every Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Testing at the Woodstock clinic, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Annex A (behind the McHenry County Government Center), is offered Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled in advance and walk-ins are accepted but limited. Due to occasional staffing restrictions, unforeseen circumstances or county holidays, please call to verify clinic availability before arriving. 

Additional prevention should be considered for adolescents. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is an STD that can cause several types of cancers that may not be detected until they cause more serious health problems.  An HPV vaccination can prevent infections that cause these cancers.  MCDH offers a two-dose HPV vaccine that is recommended for children (both male and female) that are 11 or 12 years old and through age 26 years if not adequately vaccinated when younger. Other immunization clinics are offered at MCDH locations with walk-in clinics available on the last Wednesday of the month and some Saturdays. Please call to check availability.

Please call (815) 334-4500 to schedule an appointment or receive more details about clinic availability. Additional information about the services offered by MCDH is available at MCDH.info.