In 2017, Chicago had the highest rate of newly reported chlamydia infections in its history (30,292) as well as 11,730 gonorrhea cases and 788 syphilis infections. While this is a relatively alarming situation, it is still not as bad as the top 5 STD capitals of the US. There were 743 new HIV cases in 2017, which is the lowest number since the late 90s. Apart from a serious chlamydia problem, Chicago pretty much has its STI rates in check.
In order to combat this outbreak of chlamydia, it is essential to incorporate periodic STD screenings into our lives and detect potential infections early on. Many of the common STIs can be cured with simple antibiotics if caught during their initial stages.
With that in mind, let us go over the different STD testing options available in Chicago.
STD Testing Options In Chicago
When it comes to different STD testing options in Chicago, you can opt for at-home STD testing, online STD testing with clinic, STD testing at clinics or some of the available free STD testing options.
At-home STD testing in Chicago is by far the most convenient and anonymous option. After receiving your order, the company of your choice will dispatch a personal at-home testing kit at your address and allow you to perform sample collection in the privacy of your home. After extracting the required biological materials, you need to send them back to the lab for further processing. The results are usually available within one or two business days and the final report is sent to your email address. If you test positive, you also have access to free consultations with company doctors that can prescribe adequate medication. Basically, at-home STD testing allows you to bypass appointments, crowded waiting rooms at your local clinic, and awkward sex discussions with strangers.
Online STD testing providers with partnered clinics follow a similar testing protocol, with one important difference – the actual sample collection is performed in a physical clinic instead of your home. Renowned companies usually have thousands of partnered draw centers, so finding one in your area should not be a problem. Once you arrive at the clinic, the whole procedure takes only 15 minutes. The nurses are there just to collect relevant samples, so you do not have to answer any embarrassing questions. Apart from this, you can expect the same procedure provided by at-home screening providers. Your results will be available online in just a couple of days and you will receive professional advice and therapy in case you test positive.
STD testing at state or private clinics in Chicago has several serious drawbacks. First of all, you have to make an appointment and wait for your turn in crowded waiting rooms. The total price of testing is also higher since it includes doctor’s fees and copays for potential medication. The results take longer to arrive due to processing backlogs. Finally, if you test positive, your STI becomes a part of your permanent medical record, which is not the case with at-home tests and online providers with partnered clinics.
Lastly, you can get free STD testing in Chicago if your income is extremely low or you already have visible symptoms. In other words, unless you are earning next to nothing, you will not have access to free STD screening. Waiting for your potential symptoms to show is also not ideal as more than 80% of all STDs remain asymptomatic.
Austin, TX | At-Home STD Testing | Online STD Testing With Clinic | STD Testing At Clinics | Free STD Testing |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cost | $80+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | $24+ individual tests, $100+ STD panels | Single tests: $10-$30 w/ insurance; $50-$200 w/o insurance, STD panels: $300-$400 | Free, but you have to qualify |
Insurance Accepted | N/A | |||
Sample Collection | Your home | Partnered draw centers | Clinic | Facilities of the testing provider |
STD Panels Available | ||||
Appointments | ||||
Same-Day Testing | Free clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so maybe | |||
Anonymous Testing | ||||
Testing Accuracy | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% | 99.99% |
Turnaround Time | 1-5 days | 1-3 days | Up to 2 weeks | Depends on the number of samples in the lab |
Online results | Rarely | |||
Free Private Consultations | ||||
Free Presciptions |
At-Home STD Testing
MyLab Box is a premium online service that allows its users to test potential exposure to STDs without ever leaving their homes. The company features a wide array of reliable FDA-approved single kits and convenient panels and delivers results with 99.99% accuracy in just 1-5 business days. The testing process is 100% discreet and helps you avoid awkward sessions with your doctor, sitting in crowded waiting rooms, and talking about your sex life with strangers.
- True at-home STD testing in Chicago
- Testing kits made in the US
- CLIA-certified labs in all 50 states
- Free shipping
- Free doctor consultations and prescriptions
- Partnership with more than 1,000 pharmacies nationwide
Online STD Testing With Clinic
STDCheck is one of the best STD testing providers on the market with more than 4,500 testing centers nationwide. Unlike regular clinics, it allows you to place your order online, pick the closest draw center, and provide the relevant sample in just 5 minutes without ever waiting in lines, talking about your symptoms or explaining why you suspect potential exposure to STDs.
- 100% confidential testing
- FDA-approved testing solutions/CLIA-certified labs
- Same-day STD testing/results in 1-2 business days
- Individual tests + panels
- Numerous payment options
- STD Test Recommender
- Free doctor consultations + sessions with care advisors
Some of the available STDCheck locations in Chicago include:
Quest Diagnostics
111 N Wabash Ave, Ste 1514, Chicago, IL 60602
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM);
1460 N Halsted St Ste 201, Chicago, IL 60642
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM);
1431 N Western Ave Ste 509, Chicago, IL 60622
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM);
2800 N Sheridan Rd, Ste G1, Chicago, IL 60657
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM);
Labcorp
111 N. Wabash Avenue, Ste 1710, Chicago, IL 60602
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM);
233 E Erie St Ste 602, Chicago, IL 60611
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM);
ACL Laboratories
3000 N. Halsted Street, Suite 201, Chicago, IL 60657
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sat 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM);
2320 E. 93rd Street 1st Floor, Chicago, IL 60617
(Mon-Fri 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM; Sat 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
STDCheck features 25 testing locations in the Chicago area and you can find them all using the proprietary Find-a-Lab tool provided on the official website. All you have to do is enter your zip code and the available locations will get marked on your map.
STD Testing At Clinics
Here are some of the available STD testing clinics in Chicago:
e7 Health
29 E Madison St #1640, Chicago, IL 60602
(Mon-Fri 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM);
(312) 997-5522
Lakeview Specialty Clinic
2849 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
(Tue-Thu 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Mon-Wed-Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM);
(312) 744-5507
One Medical
181 W Madison St Suite 3825, Chicago, IL 60602
(Mon-Fri 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tue-Thu 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wed 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM);
(312) 219-2230
The Center for Gender, Sexuality and HIV Prevention
Lurie Children’s Hospital – 4711 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
(Mon-Thu 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sat 12:00 AM – 4:00 PM);
(773) 303-6068
The Women’s Center
9730 S Western Ave #318, Evergreen Park, IL 60805
(Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM);
(708) 425-0707
Howard Brown Health Center
4025 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60613
(Mon-Thu 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Fri 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sat 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM);
(773) 388-1600
Midwest Express Clinic
3258 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655
(Mon-Sun 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM);
(773) 629-8217
Free STD Testing
Here are some of the free STD testing options in Chicago:
AHF Wellness Center
2600 S. Michigan Ave Ste LL-D, Chicago, IL 60616
(Mon and Thu 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM);
(312) 881-3050
HIV Testing at Center on Halsted
3656 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60613
(Mon-Sun 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM);
(773) 661-0910
CALOR – AHF Affiliate HIV Testing
5038 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639
(Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM);
(773) 385-9080 ext. 227
Planned Parenthood has eight offices in Chicago:
11250 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60628;
(877) 200-7745
6059 S Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60636;
(773) 434-3700
18 S Michigan Ave 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603;
(312) 592-6700
1200 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60610;
(312) 266-1033
1152 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60642;
(773) 252-2240
5937 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60651;
(773) 287-2020
18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603;
(312) 592-6800
5725 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660;
(773) 942-7193