STD TESTING
- Confidential answers, without judgment.
Whether you have symptoms, a new partner, or just want peace of mind, please know this: getting tested is a responsible, caring choice for yourself and your partners, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Sexually transmitted infections are very common, and many cause no symptoms at all. At Women’s Health Group – Chicago, Dr. Awad and our care team offer private, respectful STD testing and treatment for Chicago women. We listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and help you get answers quickly, so you can protect your health and move forward with confidence.
- 30+ years caring for women
- Confidential testing and treatment
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Compassionate Caregivers
- Confidential answers, without judgment.
Whether you have symptoms, a new partner, or just want peace of mind, please know this: getting tested is a responsible, caring choice for yourself and your partners, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
Sexually transmitted infections are very common, and many cause no symptoms at all. At Women’s Health Group – Chicago, Dr. Awad and our care team offer private, respectful STD testing and treatment for Chicago women. We listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and help you get answers quickly, so you can protect your health and move forward with confidence.
- 30+ years caring for women
- Confidential testing and treatment
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Compassionate Caregivers
- 30+ years caring for women
- Confidential testing and treatment
- Board-certified OB-GYN care
- Compassionate Caregivers
Our Services
What is STD Testing
What do I need to know about STD Testing?
Medically reviewed by Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
STD testing checks for sexually transmitted infections, also called STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, syphilis, herpes, HIV, and hepatitis B and C. Testing is usually quick and may involve a urine sample, a vaginal swab, or a blood test, depending on which infections we’re checking for.
Many STIs cause no symptoms, especially in women, so regular testing is the only way to know for sure. Left untreated, infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. The good news is that most STIs are easily treated, and all of them can be managed.
You’re far from alone. According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people in the United States has an STI on any given day. Testing is a normal part of taking care of your health.
Symptoms of STD's you should not ignore
Many STIs don’t cause symptoms, but when they do, they can be easy to mistake for a yeast infection or urinary tract infection. Schedule a visit if you notice:
- Unusual vaginal discharge, especially with a change in color or odor
- Burning or pain when you urinate
- Sores, bumps, or blisters on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Itching or irritation in the genital area
- Bleeding between periods or after sex
- Pain during sex (dyspareunia)
- Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with fever (possible pelvic inflammatory disease)
- A rash on the palms of your hands or soles of
You don’t need to wait for symptoms to get tested. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner, or a partner tells you they’ve tested positive, call us at 773-992-1555. If you think you were exposed to HIV in the last 72 hours, seek care right away, as preventive medication (PEP) must be started quickly.
Every Situation Is Unique
- Keep your reproductive health at it's peak
STD testing and your reproductive health
Untreated STIs can affect far more than your comfort. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease, scarring, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Certain types of HPV can lead to cervical changes, which is why regular Pap smears are important.
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, testing is especially important, since some infections can pass to your baby. We screen for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B during prenatal care, and our preconception counseling can help you prepare before you conceive.
- Testing That Fits Your Needs
The Personal Nature Of STD Testing
More Than One Right Answer
The best method depends on your health, how often you want to think about it, whether you want hormones, and when you might want to become pregnant.
Your Needs Can Change
The method that worked in your twenties may not fit after having children or as you approach menopause. We’re here to help you reassess at any time.
- Complete, Confidential Care
Strategies for Comprehensive Care
Personalized Counseling
We recommend tests based on your health, history, and concerns, so you get the right screening without unnecessary tests.
Prompt Treatment
If a test comes back positive, we explain your results clearly and start treatment quickly. Most bacterial STIs are cured with a short course of antibiotics.
Prevention and Protection
We offer the HPV vaccine, discuss safer sex strategies, and can talk with you about PrEP, a daily medication that prevents HIV.
Emotional Well-being & Support
A diagnosis can bring worry or embarrassment. We answer your questions with compassion, help you talk with partners, and make sure you never feel judged.
Your STD Testing Journey
A Private Conversation
We ask a few questions about your symptoms and sexual health, in a private, respectful setting, to decide which tests are right for you.
Quick, Simple Testing
Most tests use a urine sample, a swab, or a blood draw and take just a few minutes. A pelvic exam isn't always needed.
Results and Next Steps
Results typically return within a few days and are shared privately through our patient portal or by phone. If treatment is needed, we start it right away.
Every patient’s needs are different, and your care should be too. We explain each test and recommendation so you can make informed choices with confidence.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea testing
The CDC recommends yearly testing for sexually active women under 25, and for women 25 and older with new or multiple partners.
Herpes, trichomoniasis, and HPV testing
We test for these infections when you have symptoms or risk factors, and HPV testing is included with Pap smears for women 30 and older.
Hepatitis B and C testing
Blood tests check for hepatitis infections, which can damage the liver if untreated. Adults should be tested for hepatitis C at least once.
Treatment and partner care
We provide treatment for positive results and guidance on notifying partners, so everyone can get the care they need.
HIV and syphilis testing
A simple blood test checks for HIV and syphilis. The CDC recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested for HIV at least once.
Common STD Testing Questions We Hear Most
Is STD testing included in my Pap smear?
No. A Pap smear checks for cervical cell changes and, depending on your age, HPV. It doesn’t test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, or other STIs. If you’d like STD testing, just ask, and we’ll add it to your visit.
How often should I be tested?
It depends on your age and situation. Sexually active women under 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea every year. Women with a new partner, multiple partners, or a partner with an STI should be tested more often. We’ll help you decide what’s right for you.
Will my results be kept private?
Yes. Your results are protected health information and are shared only with you through our secure patient portal or by phone. If you’re concerned about insurance statements, ask our team how billing will appear.
Can STDs be cured?
Many can. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis are cured with medication. Viral infections like herpes and HIV can’t be cured, but they can be managed very effectively with treatment.
Michael M. Awad, DO, OB-GYN
Dr. Mike Awad is a second-generation OB-GYN who believes the right treatment starts with the right diagnosis. He provides discreet, respectful care for sexual health concerns, and he makes sure every patient feels comfortable asking questions. His philosophy is simple: meet every patient where she is, listen carefully, and make sure she feels understood and confident in her care.
He works alongside our physician assistants, Morgan Johannes, PA-C, Jennifer Sykstus, PA-C, and Georgiana Gomorczak, PA-C, so you have a team who knows your story at every visit. Meet the full care team.
Your comfort, privacy, and dignity come first
Sexual health touches the most personal parts of life: your body, your relationships, and your peace of mind. You deserve care that feels safe, private, and free of judgment. Here is our promise to you.
No judgment, ever
We never make assumptions about your relationships or choices. Our only goal is to help you stay healthy.
We explain first, then proceed together
Before every test or exam, we walk you through what to expect and why, in plain language and at your pace.
Intimate questions are welcome here
Symptoms, partners, and sexual practices are all part of sexual health care. You can bring them up in whatever words feel comfortable.
Your information stays private.
Your conversations and records are protected, and follow-up messages go through our secure patient portal.
You Deserve Answers and Peace of Mind
Confidential STD testing for women across Chicago’s Southwest Side, including Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Burbank, Oak Lawn, Bridgeview, and Summit. New patients welcome. Most major insurance accepted.
