The Sexual Health Clinic is a confidential clinic.  All lab work is sent to our regional laboratory.

Call (423) 209-8250 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

We are located at:
Hamilton County Health Department
West Wing, 1st Floor
921 E. 3rd Street
Chattanooga, TN 37403

Hours:

• Learn more about STD's here
• STD fact sheets
• Reportable disease form for Health Providers click here.   -- Annual Tennessee List of Reportable Diseases here.

Sexually Transmitted Disease Exam and Treatment

• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI's), can cause serious health problems and even sterility if left untreated.
• If anyone suspects they have a sexually transmitted disease they should get help immediately. Call us for confidential testing.
• Our clinic conducts STD patient education and partner notification and treatment services

Fees/Payments:

• If you have TennCare, there is no cost to you
• For those without TennCare, there will be a $20 office visit charge for a State of Tennessee Resident (Click here for acceptable proofs of residency)
• There will be a $100 office visit charge for all non-Tennessee residents (services will not be rendered without satisfying acceptable proof of residency)
• HIV testing only - no charge
  

Charges may apply for certain other necessary treatments. Appointments are suggested; same day or next day appointments are available.

Vaginitis Program

• Examination, testing, treatment, and education services are available for common causes of vaginitis such as yeast, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.

HIV Testing

• HIV testing is on walk-in basis at no charge to client.
• Test results are given in person in clinic and not by telephone.
• Test results are returned to clinic two weeks from test date. (see FAQ)

Educations/Presentation Program

• Trained counselors are available to talk to clients about STDs.
• Community education programs available.

Medications

• On-site dispensing of medications

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you really get sexually transmitted diseases through oral sex?
  Yes you can get a sexually transmitted disease through oral sex.
• Can you tell by looking at someone that they have a sexually transmitted disease? 
  No, not usually although some diseases cause sores or rashes that can be seen.
• How long does it take after having sex before you have symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease?
  Each disease has a specific incubation time. For example gonorrhea takes 2 – 10 days, chlamydia can take up to ninety days, and syphilis can take up to ninety days.
• Can it be cured?
  STDs caused by bacteria can be cured with certain antibiotics. STDs caused by viruses cannot be cured, but can be treated and possibly controlled.
• Does the exam include a Pap smear?
  An STD exam does include a Pelvic exam, however, the test done is not a Pap smear. A Pap smear can be done in the Family Health Clinic or GYN’s office. An STD exam does not take the place of a regular Pap smear.
• What tests do you offer?
  We have diagnostic tests for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia.
• Why does it take two weeks for my HIV test to return?
  The test is sent off to our regional laboratory.
• Is urine testing for chlamydia or gonorrhea available for men in the clinic?
  Yes.
• Do you offer rapid HIV test?
  No
• Do you test for herpes?
  Yes, we swab active lesions.