Chicago

United States of America / Illinois / Chicago

OVERVIEW

Contraception (Birth Control)

General Note: There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In the state of Illinois, you need a prescription to obtain birth control pills. If you want condoms, you can buy them at markets and general stores.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can get free condoms in Chicago at many facilities, including Access Community Health Network, AIDS Foundation Chicago, West Town STI Specialty Clinic. For a full list of all the facilities that provide free condoms in Chicago, click [1].

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)

Important Notes: Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC as soon as possible after unprotected sex. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. For general information on emergency contraceptives, click here and here.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Testing Facilities

Specialty Clinics

"The Chicago Department of Public Health provides free testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at the Specialty Clinics." Individuals who are 12 years old and older are eligible to be seen at the Specialty Clinics. Parental consent is not required for teens to visit. You don't need insurance. They offer services in English and Spanish.You should bring a photo identification (such as a school identification card, state identification card, or driver’s license) at the time of their visit. If you do not have photo identification at the time of your visit, you can still receive STI/HIV testing and same-day test results.

• Englewood STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 641 W. 63rd St., Lower Level. Phone: 312.747.8900. Fax: 312.747.5275. Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8 am - 4 pm. Tue., Thu.: 9 am - 5 pm
• Roseland STI Specialty Clinic: Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 200 E. 115th St.. Phone: 312.747.0054. Fax: 312.747.2841. Mon.: 8 am - 4 pm. Thurs.: 9 am - 5 pm
• Austin STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 4909 W. Division, Suite 411. Phone: 312.746.4871. Mon., Wed.: 8 am - 4 pm. Tue.: 9 am - 5 pm
• WestTown STI Specialty Clinic. Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 2418 W. Division. Phone: 312.742.4092. Fax: 312.742.7907. Thurs.: 9 am - 5 pm. Fri.: 8 am - 4 pm
• Lakeview STI Specialty Clinic: Free clinic. Tests for Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis and HIV. Offers sexual health counseling and HIV counseling. Address: 2849 N. Clark, 1st Fl., Phone: 312.744.5507. Mon., Wed., Fri.: 8am - 4pm. Tue., Thurs.: 10am - 6pm.

Costs

For specialty clinics: "If you have any medical coverage, please provide your medical card and insurance information at registration. You will not be charged a co-pay, regardless of your plan. If you receive public aid, you should not receive a statement of services or any bills related to your visit. If you do receive a bill, do not pay it; return with the bill to the clinic, and give it to one of the staff. If you are privately insured, you may receive a statement of services and/or a bill, depending on your plan. Be mindful that if you are a dependent or spouse under someone else’s policy, your confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if you receive a statement or bill. If you do not wish to receive a statement or bill, please let us know at registration. You will need to complete an insurance opt-out form detailing the reason, and your insurance will not be charged at all. You will still receive the same quality services at your visit. If you do not have medical coverage of any kind, you will still receive the same quality care and services."

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.