STI Testing Services
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: an Overview
This information is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for actual medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for more information.
Who should get tested?
According to the CDC, all sexually active people should be tested for STDs. They also provide the additional recommendations:
All adults and adolescents from ages 13 to 64 should be tested at least once for HIV.
All sexually active women younger than 25 years should be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year. Women 25 years and older with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners or a sex partner who has an STD should also be tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia every year.
Everyone who is pregnant should be tested for syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C starting early in pregnancy. Those at risk for infection should also be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea starting early in pregnancy. Repeat testing may be needed in some cases.
All sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men should be tested:
At least once a year for syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Those who have multiple or anonymous partners should be tested more frequently (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
At least once a year for HIV and may benefit from more frequent HIV testing (e.g., every 3 to 6 months).
At least once a year for hepatitis C, if living with HIV.
Other reasons to get tested include a change in sexual partners, the diagnoses of an STD in a sexual partner, or the onset of symptoms (like discomfort, bumps, or a change in smell of you genitalia). Many STDs may not have symptoms, but can be causing long-term damage to your body. The only way to diagnose and properly treat STDs is through testing.
How do I get tested?
If you are not comfortable talking with your regular health care provider about STDs, or do not have a primary care provider in the area, there are many clinics that provide confidential and free or low-cost testing. There are a number of places around South Bend that offer STD testing. Bring a photo ID, proof of income/address, and an insurance card to your appointment.
Saint Liam Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5693
(574) 631-7497
For those looking for services on campus, UHS can do STD testing. However, please check with you insurance provider before making an appointment, as both UHS and the on-campus LabCorp labs are not compatible with many insurance plans.
413 W. McKinley Ave. Ste D, Mishawaka, IN 46545
(574) 282-3230
Located just 5 miles form campus, Olive Health Center is a great option for STI testing as well as many other services, including birth control, post-abortion care, and other health checks. Olive Health offers a sliding scale payment system. For many students, if you fill out their forms using your information and not your parent’s information, your STD testing and treatment could be completely free.
Health Plus Indiana (formerly AIDS Ministries)
201 S. William St., South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 234-2870
HealthPlus Indiana offers free HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia testing services. No appointment is necessary, but they are available. Their main clinic is just 3 miles from campus. They are also able to provide free PrEP, a once daily pill that reduces the risk of HIV infection by over 90% when taken properly. If you engage in behaviors (like unprotected vaginal/anal sex or needle-sharing) that put you at risk for HIV/AIDs, please consider visiting HealthPlus Indiana.
621 Memorial Dr., Ste. 402, South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 400-4550
Health Linc accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance, but is also welcoming to patients without insurance. They offer a sliding fee discount.