This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Many sexually transmitted infections cause no symptoms in women. Others cause signs that are easy to mistake for something else. That is why this guide covers two things: the symptoms worth knowing, and the testing that finds infections when there are no symptoms at all.

The word "women" is used here because it is how most people describe what they are looking for. Most of the guide applies to anyone with a vagina, cervix or uterus, and to sex partners of any gender or orientation. Chicago has free and low-cost places to be tested, and the last section lists them.

Key takeaways

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, herpes, HPV and HIV can all be present without any symptoms.
Symptoms that call for a visit include unusual discharge, burning when you urinate, bleeding between periods, pain during sex, pelvic pain, sores, bumps and rashes.
Symptoms cannot tell you which infection, if any, is the cause. Only a test and a clinician can.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends chlamydia and gonorrhea screening for sexually active women 24 and younger, and for older women at increased risk.
Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect fertility. Treatment from a clinician cures both infections.
Severe pelvic pain, or pelvic pain with a fever, is a reason to be seen the same day.
Chicago has walk-in and sliding-scale testing, and the Illinois HIV/STD Hotline is 1-800-243-2437.

Contents

Why many women notice nothing at all
Symptoms of STDs in women, infection by infection
Symptoms that are worth a test
When to get an STD test for women
PID, fertility and pregnancy
When to see a clinician the same day
Where to get tested in Chicago
Sources

Why many women notice nothing at all

People often expect an infection to announce itself. Many do not. The CDC's STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) describe several common infections that frequently cause no symptoms, or symptoms so mild they are overlooked.

There are a few reasons this happens.

The body can be quiet for a long time

Chlamydia and gonorrhea often infect the cervix. The cervix has few pain nerves. An infection there can go unnoticed even while it is active.

Symptoms can look like everyday changes

Discharge shifts across a menstrual cycle. Spotting can come from birth control. Pain during sex has many causes. Because of this, a real symptom of an infection can easily be put down to something else.

Some infections come and go

Herpes can cause sores that heal on their own. Syphilis can cause a sore that does not hurt, and it can disappear without treatment even while the infection continues. A symptom that goes away has not necessarily meant the infection went away.

What this means for you

Not having symptoms is not the same as having a negative test result. A test is the way to find out. A clinician can tell you which tests fit your situation.

This is not a reason for worry. STIs are common, testing is routine and most bacterial infections are curable. Knowing your status is simply part of ordinary health care.

Symptoms of STDs in women, infection by infection

The list below summarizes what the CDC describes for each infection. It is a reference, not a way to work out what you have. Many of these infections share the same signs, and some share none.

Chlamydia

The CDC says most people with chlamydia have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include unusual vaginal discharge, burning when urinating, and bleeding between periods or after sex. Lower abdominal pain can also occur.

Chlamydia is curable with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is similar. Many women have no symptoms. Others notice increased discharge, burning when urinating, or bleeding between periods. The CDC notes that gonorrhea can also infect the throat and rectum, often without symptoms.

Gonorrhea is curable with treatment from a clinician. Because antibiotic resistance is a concern, the CDC advises that clinicians choose treatment from current guidelines, so the right medicine is decided at the visit.

Trichomoniasis

The CDC reports that about 70% of people with trichomoniasis have no symptoms. Others notice itching or irritation, burning when urinating, or a change in discharge, sometimes with an odor.

Trichomoniasis is curable with treatment from a clinician.

Syphilis

Syphilis moves through stages. The first sign is usually a sore, called a chancre. It is typically painless, and it can sit inside the vagina or on the cervix where it is not seen. A later stage can bring a rash, often including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, along with fatigue, fever or swollen glands.

Syphilis is curable with treatment from a clinician, and earlier treatment prevents later damage to the body. Chicago's rate is worth knowing. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 62.6 early syphilis cases per 100,000 people in the City of Chicago for 2022 (1,687 cases).

Genital herpes

Many people with genital herpes have no symptoms or very mild ones. When symptoms appear, they can include small blisters or open sores in the genital or anal area, itching, tingling or pain. The first outbreak is often the most noticeable, and later outbreaks can return.

Herpes is not curable, but it is manageable. A clinician can prescribe medicine that shortens outbreaks and lowers how often they happen.

HPV and genital warts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is very common, and the CDC says most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own. Some types cause genital warts. Other types can cause changes to cervical cells that, if not found and followed, can lead to cervical cancer.

HPV itself is not curable, though the health problems it causes can be treated. The HPV vaccine protects against the types that cause most of these problems. The USPSTF recommends regular cervical cancer screening, which is how cell changes are found early.

HIV

Some people have a flu-like illness, with fever, sore throat, rash or swollen glands, about two to four weeks after HIV enters the body. Many have no early symptoms at all.

HIV is not curable, but it is treatable. The CDC says that with treatment people with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and that people who take HIV medicine and keep their viral load undetectable do not pass HIV to partners through sex.

Infections that look similar but are not the same

Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections cause discharge, odor and itching. They are common causes of the same symptoms. Only an exam or test can tell these apart from an STI, and it is possible to have more than one thing at once.

Symptoms that are worth a test

Any of the following is a good reason to contact a clinic. None of them confirms an infection. Each is a reason to find out.

Changes in discharge

Watch for a new color, a new texture, a stronger smell, or a noticeably larger amount than usual. A change that lasts more than a few days is worth a visit.

Pain or burning when urinating

This can come from an STI or from a urinary tract infection. A clinician can check for both.

Bleeding that is not your usual pattern

This includes bleeding between periods and bleeding after sex.

Pain during sex or in the pelvis

Pain deep inside during sex, or a dull ache in the lower abdomen, can be a sign the infection has moved to the reproductive organs. Do not wait this one out.

Sores, bumps, blisters or warts

These can show up on the vulva, vagina, anus, thighs or mouth. Some are painless, so a sore you cannot feel is still worth having checked.

A rash, especially on the palms or soles

The CDC lists this as a possible sign of secondary syphilis.

Itching, swelling or irritation

Persistent itching around the vulva or anus deserves a look, particularly if over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections have not helped.

A partner who has been told they have an infection

You do not need symptoms to be tested. If a partner tells you they have tested positive, contact a clinic. In Illinois, a clinician can sometimes provide treatment for a partner without an exam first. The CDC's legal status page for Illinois says this practice, called expedited partner therapy, is permitted for chlamydia, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Illinois law limits it to partners exposed within the previous 60 days, and syphilis is not covered.

When to get an STD test for women

Testing is not only for people with symptoms. National guidelines set out when routine testing makes sense.

Routine screening recommendations

Chlamydia and gonorrhea: The USPSTF and CDC recommend screening for sexually active women 24 and younger, and for women 25 and older who are at increased risk, for example those with a new partner or more than one partner.
HIV: The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 be tested at least once, and more often if there is ongoing risk.
Syphilis: The CDC recommends screening in pregnancy, and for anyone at increased risk. A clinician can help work out whether that applies.
Cervical cancer and HPV: The USPSTF recommends regular screening starting at age 21. The right test and the timing depend on age, so ask a clinician which fits.
Hepatitis B and C: The CDC recommends screening for some groups, and for everyone at least once for hepatitis C. Ask about your own situation.

Other moments when a test makes sense

When you start a new relationship.
After sex without a condom or barrier with a partner whose status you do not know.
When a partner has other partners, or when you are not sure.
After a partner is diagnosed with an infection.
When you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant.
When you are asked to for a medical or insurance reason, or simply want to know.

Timing and window periods

Some tests cannot pick up a very recent infection. This is called the window period. For HIV, the CDC gives these general ranges after a possible exposure:

A nucleic acid test (NAT) can usually detect HIV 10 to 33 days after exposure.
An antigen/antibody test done by a lab on blood from a vein usually detects it 18 to 45 days after exposure.
An antigen/antibody test done with a finger prick can take 18 to 90 days.
Antibody tests can take 23 to 90 days.

For other infections, window periods vary by test. Ask the clinic when to test and whether you should return for a repeat. Do not wait for the "perfect" time to make the first visit. A clinician can explain what a result means for your timing.

Where on the body to test

The CDC recommends testing at the site of exposure. Depending on the kind of sex you have had, that can mean a vaginal swab or urine sample, a throat swab, or a rectal swab. Infections in the throat and rectum often cause no symptoms, so they can be missed without a specific test. Tell the clinician what kinds of sex you have had. You will not be judged for it.

What a visit usually involves

Most visits are short. A clinician asks about your health and your sexual history so the right tests are chosen. Tests may include a urine sample, a swab you collect yourself or a clinician collects, and a blood draw. Some clinics offer rapid HIV tests. Ask when and how you will get your results.

Women who have sex with women

STIs pass between women. HPV, herpes, trichomoniasis, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea are all possible. Testing recommendations do not depend on the gender of your partners, so share what is true for you and let the clinician guide the tests.

If you are under 18

Illinois law, in the Consent by Minors to Health Care Services Act (410 ILCS 210/4), says a minor 12 years of age or older who may have come into contact with a sexually transmitted disease may consent to care related to prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Parental consent is not necessary. The law also says providers should make reasonable efforts to involve family when they believe it will not be harmful, and that each STD incident must be reported to public health.

About reporting

Under Illinois Administrative Code Part 693, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are reportable infections. Health care professionals send a case report within seven days of a diagnosis or treatment. In Chicago, reports go to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). This is routine public health practice and is how follow-up services get arranged.

PID, fertility and pregnancy

What PID is

Pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes or ovaries. The CDC says it often happens when bacteria from the vagina or cervix, including those from chlamydia and gonorrhea, travel upward into the reproductive organs.

PID can cause lower abdominal pain, fever, unusual discharge, pain during sex, pain when urinating and irregular bleeding. It can also cause mild symptoms or none, which is part of why it is sometimes found late.

The link to fertility

The CDC says PID can lead to long-term problems, including chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) and infertility. These problems can follow from scarring in the fallopian tubes.

This needs to be stated carefully. Not everyone who has chlamydia or gonorrhea develops PID. Not everyone who has PID has trouble getting pregnant. The CDC emphasizes that finding and treating these infections early lowers the chance of PID, and that prompt treatment of PID lowers the chance of lasting harm.

If you are worried about your own history, a clinician can talk through it with you. Some people have had an untreated infection in the past and wonder what it means now. That is a good question for a visit.

Pregnancy

Several infections can affect a pregnancy or a newborn, which is why screening is a regular part of prenatal care. Illinois law sets out syphilis testing. Under the Prenatal Syphilis Act (410 ILCS 320/1), testing is required at the first prenatal examination, and again in the third trimester, between 27 and 32 weeks. The law includes an exception for a person who objects on religious grounds.

The CDC also recommends that pregnant people be screened for HIV and hepatitis B, and for chlamydia and gonorrhea depending on age and risk. If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the clinician at any testing visit so they can choose the right tests.

When to see a clinician the same day

Most STI concerns can wait for a regular appointment or walk-in visit. A few cannot. Get same-day care, from an urgent care center or an emergency department, for any of the following:

Severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly if it came on suddenly.
Pelvic pain with a fever or chills.
Pain on one side of the abdomen, or fainting or dizziness, when you are or might be pregnant. The CDC lists ectopic pregnancy as a possible complication of PID, and it needs emergency care.
Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through pads quickly.
Pain during sex or urination that is severe, together with a fever or vomiting.
A painful, swollen area near the vagina, or a rash with fever and feeling very unwell.
Any pelvic symptoms while pregnant.

If you cannot tell whether it is an emergency, call a clinic, a nurse line or 911. Going in and finding it was minor is always an acceptable outcome.

For concerns that are not urgent, such as a new discharge or a possible exposure last week, call a clinic and ask for the next available visit. Many Chicago sites take walk-ins.

Where to get tested in Chicago

Chicago has several kinds of places to be tested, including city clinics, a county health system site and a community health center with walk-in hours. The list below is drawn from each organization's own published information. Hours and services can change, so call before you go.

For a longer look at costs, insurance and what to bring, see the guide to STD testing in Chicago, where to get tested and what it costs. You can also browse the local testing list on this site.

Chicago Department of Public Health sexual health clinics

CDPH runs Sexual Health Specialty Clinics that offer STI testing, HIV testing, PrEP and treatment. CDPH's page says care is provided regardless of ability to pay or insurance status, and asks insured patients to bring an insurance card. The page does not say the visit is free. It says to call for an appointment, that limited walk-ins are available, that clinics are closed from 12 to 1 pm daily and on City holidays, and to call the clinic to verify hours.

Clinic	Address	Phone	Hours listed by CDPH
Lakeview North Clark Street Health Clinic	2849 N. Clark St., 1st Fl.	312.744.5507	Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Tue, Thu 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Austin West Division Street Health Hub	4909 W. Division St., Suite 411	312.746.4871	Tue 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Wed, Fri 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Roseland East 115th Street Health Hub	200 E. 115th St., 1.5 fl.	312.747.1090	Mon, Fri 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; Thu 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

More detail is on the CDPH sexual health services page.

Cook County Health: Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center

The CORE Center is at 2020 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60612. Cook County Health's page says its walk-in STI Screening Clinic can be reached by phone Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, at 312-572-4700, and that same-day HIV and STI services are provided. To make an appointment, call the Access Line at 312-572-4500.

The CDC's GetTested listing for this site shows insurance, Medicaid and Medicare accepted, a sliding scale, and PrEP for people without insurance. See the Cook County Health HIV program page.

Howard Brown Health

Howard Brown is a nonprofit health center with a sexual health walk-in clinic. Its page says no appointment is necessary and that patients are seen first come, first served. It describes the service as quick and low cost, and it offers a Sliding Fee Discount Program based on income and family size. Services listed include HIV and rapid HIV testing, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea testing, hepatitis testing, treatment, PrEP and PEP. The phone for all sites is 773.388.1600.

Howard Brown Health Sheridan: 4025 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60613.
Howard Brown Health 63rd St.: 641 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60621.
Broadway Youth Center: 1023 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago, IL 60613. Howard Brown's site describes youth services for ages 12 to 24.

Howard Brown's page does not list hours in the information we reviewed, so call or check the walk-in clinic page before you go.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois: Rogers Park Health Center

The Rogers Park center is at 5725 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660, phone (773) 942-7193. The CDC's GetTested listing shows STI testing, HIV testing, rapid HIV tests and the HPV vaccine, says insurance and Medicaid are accepted, and says an appointment is required. It does not state self-pay or sliding-scale pricing, and it notes that hours can change. Check the GetTested listing and confirm with the center.

A free HIV test kit by request

Erie Family Health Centers, a Chicago nonprofit health center, offers a free rapid HIV test kit by online request or by phone at 312-386-6344. It is for Illinois residents who are 17 or older. It tests for HIV only, not other STIs. Details are on Erie's test kit page. We did not find a state or city mail-order program for free HIV or STI home tests.

Other ways to find a site

GetTested, the CDC's locator, lets you search by ZIP code for STI and HIV testing sites.
The Illinois HIV/STD Hotline is 1-800-243-2437. See the IDPH STD page.
For PrEP help, IDPH runs PrEP4Illinois, a medication assistance program. Its helpline is 1-833-773-7445. IDPH also announced a statewide standing order in April 2025 that lets trained pharmacists provide PrEP without a prior prescription.

What the numbers say about Chicago

STIs are common in Chicago, and testing is a routine part of care here. IDPH reports for 2022, in the City of Chicago, a chlamydia rate of 1,023.7 per 100,000 people (27,596 cases) and a gonorrhea rate of 459.3 per 100,000 (12,382 cases). IDPH calculates these using 2010 Census population.

These figures count reported cases, so they reflect who was tested as well as who has an infection. They describe the city as a whole. They say nothing about any one person, and testing is the only way to know your own status.

Questions to ask when you call

Do you take walk-ins, or do I need an appointment?
What will it cost me, and is there a sliding scale if I do not have insurance?
Which tests are included, and can you test my throat or rectum if needed?
How and when will I get my results?
If a result is positive, can treatment be provided here?

STD Symptoms in Women: Signs, When to Test and Where in Chicago