Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Carson, CA has seen a steady rise in STD infections in recent years, particularly relating to syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia. This rise is not unusual compared to other statistics in the region, but it is something that that citizens of Carson should be informed about.
In 2016, there were 160 reported cases of chlamydia per 100,000 people in Carson. Additionally, cases of primary, secondary and early latent syphilis have been reported in the area.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s HIV Surveillance System, there were approximately 246.6 people living with HIV in Carson per 100,000 people in 2016.
If you are concerned about the growing rate of STD infections in your area, there are plenty of resources available to you to help you stay informed about your own health.
Whether you decide to visit a public or private testing facility, there are plenty of accessible available options to you in Carson, like the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health STD Clinic at Torrance Health Center, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services clinic at Wilmington Health Center, and nonprofits like the Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) at South Bay Family Healthcare Center. Some locations may offer free STD testing, but please note that certain financial or health criteria must sometimes need to be met in order to qualify.
There are various private options available for STD testing too, that are also located right in the center of Carson, including two on S Vermont Ave. Plenty of parking lots are available in the area, with free parking located at many of the testing locations. For those who need to utilize public transportation, there are plenty of bus routes that pass by various public clinics.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Out of the Closet - Long Beach is a thrift store selling stationery and household items to residents in Los Angeles County, CA, where ninety six cents of every dollar spent goes to HIV/AIDS services offered by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF). The facility has certified medical practitioners who provide free HIV testing using advanced technology. Rapid HIV test results are usually available within twenty minutes.
South Bay Family Health Care provides low-cost sexual healthcare services to teenagers, men, and women in Los Angeles County, CA, and surrounding regions. The clinic's medical practitioners offer family planning, HIV/STD testing, preventive care, and nutritional services.
Planned Parenthood - Long Beach Health Center provides comprehensive sexual healthcare services and education to ensure Carson, CA, residents lead a healthy reproductive life. The facility has adequate board-certified clinicians licensed to deliver STI/HIV testing, abortion care, men’s health, LGBTQ and women’s care, and emergency contraception services.
Long Beach Multi-Service Center delivers low-cost medical care services to residents of Los Angeles County, CA, and surrounding regions. The center has licensed doctors who offer immunizations, pediatric and nutrition care, STI/HIV screening, and drug addiction treatment services.
Torrance Urgent Care was founded in 2007 to provide residents of Carson, CA, with affordable medical care services. The facility has trained physicians and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment necessary for the provision of drug screening, EKGs, digital X-rays, tuberculosis screening, and STI testing and treatment services.
Concentra Urgent Care is a medical clinic serving residents of Carson, CA, and surrounding areas with affordable healthcare services for their non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. The clinic has certified medical practitioners licensed to provide occupational medicine, drug testing, DOT physicals, preventive care, and STD screening services.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Pharmaceutical Company.
Description: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Closed from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization. Tarzana Treatment Centers provides integrated health care services for HIV positive individuals. Services include primary care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing, transportation, and more.
Description: Community Based Organization. Tarzana Treatment Centers provides integrated health care services for HIV positive individuals. Services include primary care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing, transportation, and more.
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay. Services under some insurance plans and physician groups require prior authorization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available. Walk-in hours Mon.-Fri., 8am-3:30pm and Sat., 8am-3pm
It has become impossible for health officials to ignore the growing number of sexually transmitted diseases that are reported annually in the city and surrounding county. For the last twenty years the rate of infection has been steadily rising, according to statistics released by the L.A. County Department of Health and the CDC, and these numbers show no sign of decreasing any time soon.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates are rising in teens and young adults, and statistics also show that both men and women are risk for contracting one or both of these venereal diseases. The number of students that contract the Herpes virus is also rising, along with those that test positive for HVP.
The statistics also show that it is not just teens and young adults that are testing positive more often, older residents are finding that they too are at risk. Men over the age of 25 in particular seem to test positive for some STDs more frequently than other age groups. This is particularly true regarding infectious Syphilis and HIV, which is more prevalent in older men than other demographics.
This alone is enough to cause alarm, since health officials mistakenly believed that these infectious diseases were well under control. Some of the statistics that highlight the importance of regular STD testing include,
The facility provides free HIV testing services to members of the public regardless of their ability to pay.
Out of the Closet - Long Beach provides extended hours; therefore, individuals may access HIV screening while carrying out their routine shopping. Patients can also use their smartphones to access the facility's online services, such as filing paperwork.
3500 CA-1, Long Beach, CA 90804, USA
The clinic accepts patients with health insurance from major providers and presents uninsured clients with affordable out-of-pocket rates. Additionally, it offers confidential, free, or low-cost STI testing and family birth control services to teenagers aged 12 to 19 years.
South Bay Family Health Care has a friendly website that allows clients to navigate through easily and access information regarding STD/HIV testing services. It also provides preventive care education to sexually active individuals in the community during outreach programs.
742 W Gardena Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247, USA
The facility accepts patients with a wide range of health insurance plans, including Molina, Oscar, Premier Physician Network, or Aetna. Uninsured individuals may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale based on household income. Additionally, the facility does not turn away clients due to the inability to pay.
Planned Parenthood - Long Beach Health Center offers confidential HIV/STD screening services to teenagers and other sexually active individuals who visit the clinic. It also provides translation services for non-English speakers and has the appropriate infrastructure that allows physically disabled patients to access STD/HIV services.
2690 Pacific Ave Ste. 370 Ste. 370, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA
The facility accepts clients with Medicaid, and other health insurance plans, and does not deny STD/HIV screening services to the uninsured, due to their inability to pay.
Long Beach Multi-Service Center provides sexual education to the public and LGBTQ populations through presentations, health fairs, and community outreach events. The facility also educates sexually active individuals through social media platforms and organizes mobile testing centers where they may receive free STI/HIV screening services.
1301 W 12th St, Long Beach, CA 90813, USA
The facility accepts uninsured clients who may clear their hospital bills using cash, visa, checks, master, or discover cards. It also offers them affordable rates, and insured patients may pay using the accepted insurance plans such as Humana or Tricare.
Torrance Urgent Care offers information on STI testing, transmission, symptoms, and preventive care through social media platforms. The facility also provides free parking for clients and offers extended hours that are convenient for individuals seeking confidential STD services.
2195 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
Both insured and uninsured patients in need of STI testing and treatment are welcome at the clinic. Most insurance policies, as well as cash, checks, and credit cards, are accepted. Patients are also required to download forms online, print, and fill them before their visit.
Concentra Urgent Care has an onsite laboratory that provides accurate, reliable, and discreet STI test results for fast diagnosis. It also offers convenient online bill pay services, and patient’s medical records kept confidential per HIPAA regulations and state privacy laws.
21081 S Western Ave #150, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
In January of 2016 it became mandatory for all public school districts to include comprehensive and medically accurate sex education programs in their curriculum.
Starting in the 7th grade students will now start learning about sexually transmitted diseases and how these infections can be spread. By the time students graduate from high school that state’s goal is to ensure that they are well prepared to face the risks and dangers associated with being sexually active.
Not only will students learn that STDs can be transmitted through a variety of methods, they will also be taught how to protect themselves if they do decide to engage in sexual activity. The proper use of condoms will be covered in detail, not only in an effort to stop the spread of sexually transmitted infections but to also begin to lower the city’s high teen pregnancy rate. In cities where this has already been implemented, the number of teens that drop out due to pregnancy has already begun to decrease significantly.
Students will also be taught that regular HIV testing in Carson is critical for their continued good health, along with the fact that this is currently the only way to positively detect the virus. The important of regular Herpes testing in Carson will even be covered, and school officials are hopeful that this will begin to lower the rate of infection among students.
The rise in STD rates over the last twenty years is being blamed on several factors. Previously the main cause was lack of information, but thanks to the recent law that now makes it mandatory of all public school districts to include comprehensive sex education classes in its curriculum this is no longer a contributing factor.
The growing popularity in online dating apps is making it easier for adults and teens to meet and “hook up”. With online dating sites catering to individuals looking for a “one night stand”, it is not hard to see how this could be causing the STD rates to rise in the city.
Illicit drug use is increasing, but not in teens. It is older adults that are often engaging in this risky behavior which dramatically increases their chances for contracting a sexually transmitted disease. The growing number of adults that use and share needles is also being blamed for the sudden resurgence in primary and secondary Syphilis diagnoses.
What is really causing the infectious disease rates to rise is the simple fact that most residents do not feel that regular STI testing is important for their health. Many do not even realize that their behavior could already be putting them at risk, and it is not uncommon for adults to simply feel like they do not need to waste their time and money on a STD test. As long as this continues the city and county can continue to expect to see high STD rates.
Before you head into downtown LA for some shopping and sightseeing it is important to take a few minutes and visit one of the nearby STI clinics. Even if you don’t believe that your behavior has put you at risk, it is still important to get tested on a regular basis. It is understandable if you don’t want to spend the entire day waiting in a crowded community testing center, and now there is an easier way for you to take care of your sexual health. You can schedule confidential STD testing with one quick phone call, and only spend a few minutes at a nearby lab instead of hours at one of the local clinics.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
