Yes, you can absolutely get STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing during your abortion care.
Combining your reproductive healthcare needs into a single visit is very common, highly convenient, and can even be an important step for your overall safety.
1. Why Getting an STI Test During an Abortion is Beneficial
Choosing to screen for STIs during your care offers both clinical and practical advantages:
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Lowering Risk of Infection: If an untreated STI is present during an in-clinic abortion procedure, there is a small risk that the infection could travel into the uterus, leading to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Screening and starting treatment immediately prevents this complication.
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Streamlined Care: You can complete your medical consultation, diagnostic imaging, and comprehensive sexual health panels in one sitting rather than making multiple trips to different clinics.
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Peace of Mind: You leave your appointment with a complete, accurate understanding of your current reproductive health status.
2. What Does the Process Look Like?
During your initial clinical intake or consultation, you can simply let the healthcare team know that you would like to add an STI panel to your visit.
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How Samples Are Collected: Because a standard abortion visit already involves diagnostic blood work (such as an Rh factor or hemoglobin check) and a routine urine pregnancy test, providers can typically use those same samples to screen for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and syphilis. No extra, invasive procedures are usually required.
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Getting Your Results: Your test results are typically available within a few business days. If any screening comes back positive, the clinic will contact you discreetly to provide your prescription medications or coordinate a follow-up care plan.
3. How Much Does It Cost?
How your screening is priced depends entirely on your payment and insurance method:
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Private Insurance and Medicaid: Most commercial insurance policies and state Medicaid plans cover standard STI screening as part of preventative care. If you are using Illinois Medicaid, your entire abortion visit—including routine lab work and sexual health screenings—is fully covered with zero out-of-pocket costs.
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Self-Pay Bundles: If you are paying out-of-pocket to protect your privacy, ask the clinic if they offer combined pricing. Many facilities provide affordable, all-inclusive packages that let you access both STI testing and abortion care in one visit.
Absolute Privacy and Legal Protections
Your STI status, lab results, and abortion care are strictly confidential under federal HIPAA guidelines. Your medical charts are encrypted, legally sealed, and accessible only to your direct healthcare team. Your school, employer, or family members have absolutely no legal right or technical ability to view your health records.
If you are using a shared family insurance plan and want to ensure no paper trail or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement is sent to your home address, choosing an upfront self-pay option is a safe, highly protective alternative that guarantees complete personal anonymity.
Ready to Coordinate Your Care?
Our medical team is committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate healthcare that fits your lifestyle, respects your budget, and guards your privacy. Whether you want to verify your insurance coverage, apply for direct financial grants, or discuss what questions are asked during an abortion consultation, we are here to support your choices completely.
Book an Appointment Today To get a transparent breakdown of fees, verify your health benefits, or schedule your clinical panels with a supportive provider, visit our secure portal to Schedule an Appointment.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.
