Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Health officials in Southern California are worried about rising STD rates, especially syphilis. The disease was thought to be under control a short decade ago, but it made a comeback in recent years.
Health officials say that people have become lax about using condoms, especially since the AIDS scare has abated due to modern treatments that make the virus less of a death sentence than it was in the ‘80s. But PEP and PrEP do not prevent the spread of other STDs, and condoms must still be used. Especially tragic are the cases of congenital syphilis, which cause stillbirths. If the baby lives, it can have permanent damage.
In 2015, there were 6,175 people living with HIV or AIDS in Orange County, with a prevalence rate of 233 per 100K people, under California’s rate of 376.
In 2017, 14,027 people in Orange County were diagnosed with chlamydia, at a rate of 438.2 per 100K people, under California’s rate of 552.2. The gonorrhea and (primary and secondary) syphilis rates were 111.7 and 11.5.
There’s a Planned Parenthood at Nutmeg Pl. They test for STIs and treat all except HIV, and the fee is on a sliding scale. At least one charitable clinic offers free STD testing, but only for HIV and hep C. MedPost Urgent Care of Costa Mesa, on Harbor Blvd, provides STD testing and treatment.
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 CDC2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Womens Health Care Specialists is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Pacific Coast Medical Group is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
It is almost impossible to at least not be familiar with the name Planned Parenthood. They are leaders in research concerning sexual health care. Some may think they only perform one service but nothing is further from the truth.
You can easily get tested for sexually transmitted infections here. You also have the advantage of having a counselor to talk to when results are in.
The Orange County Health Care Agency (17th Street Testing and Treatment) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
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: Closed from 12noon-1pm daily
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Most services available on a walk-in basis, but walk-in hours are subject to change
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Service center open Mon- Fri 8:30am-5pm
Description: Sav-On Pharmacy.
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: Monkeypox vaccines for eligible patients by appointment only. Eligibility to be determined upon arrival based on CDC guidelines. Please call our office to make an appointment
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Free condoms available. PrEP and PEP offered for uninsured patients. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins will be seen based on capacity
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Most services available on a walk-in basis, but walk-in hours are subject to change
Description: Community Based Organization. Testing is free for everyone. Free condoms available. HIV/STI testing schedule: Tues., 10am-5:30pm and 6pm-8:30pm; Wed., Thurs., 6pm-9pm; Fri., 10am-5:30pm. Appointment recommended, Walk-ins are welcomed
Description: Limited Saturday appts. Mpox vaccines available Mon.-Fri. by appt. only
Description: Offers PrEP navigation services. Telemedicine visits are also available during those times, as well as other days on a case by case basis
In Orange County the numbers show spikes across the population aged 20-29 and increased incidence in the black, Latino and Native American populations.
The most recent data for the city shows these increases from 2011 to 2016:
Since reporting began in 1981 am estimated 12,328 people have been identified as infected with HIV disease while living in Orange County. Of these:
Of concern is the statistic that youth between the age of 15 and 18 years have a significant level of infection. The numbers in this demographic show an 8.2 % increase since 1997. It is hypothesized that a decrease in condom us is in part to blame for this rise.
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
17982 Sky Park Cir Ste J, Irvine, CA 92614, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2077 Harbor Blvd Ste C, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
11180 Warner Ave #353, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA
If you call ahead you might be able to get in that day. You can also go online and look through their availability calendar and find a time that is best for you.
Anyone over 14 can get an appointment. without bringing their parents. Calling ahead can also get you enrolled in a plan that will help cover testing expenses.
You can everything from Pep and PrEP at Planned Parenthood. Free condoms are also available for men and women. After all these years, the organization is still at the forefront when it comes to protecting your sexual health.
1520 Nutmeg Pl #101, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Orange County Health Care Agency (17th Street Testing and Treatment) might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
149 B, 1725 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2720 S Bristol St #110, Santa Ana, CA 92704, USA
According to experts in the region, the rising rate of STDs represents a lack of accessible testing and diagnosis as well as lack of education. The schools are trying to teach abstinence when the students are already sexually active and despite getting information at school about condom use and refusing sexual contact, sexual health is getting worse instead of improving.
One factor in the decrease in HIV testing is that no one sees AIDs as life threatening anymore. In the 80s and the 90s Californians were seeing people getting really ill and dying from AIDS but advances in treatment and control of HIV have taken some of the urgency out of getting diagnosis and treatment.
Herpes diagnosis can be quite simple however the stigma around getting a swab keeps people away from testing sites. Educators are working to open a dialogue about sex that allows removes stigma and discomfort from the topic.
The good news around this increase in diagnosis is a call to action for simpler methods of testing, diagnosis, and treatment. There has even been discussion of the city piloting a “swab at home” testing program.
The demographic in the area averages 6% younger than the rest of California. It is also a predominantly Caucasian population. This might partially explain why the stats here are higher than other CA regions. The mob mentality that allows youth to believe that they are invincible, coupled with the brain development for decision making which really doesn’t fully form until the mid-twenties means adults need to take a role in protecting the sexual health of the younger members of the community.
STD testing centers in the city include fully private clinics that boast 15 minute testing with results within 48 hour Other clinics advertise same-day results or walk-in, no-wait. There is also free or low-cost testing for those who don’t have medical insurance. Different centers offer different levels of processing speed. There are clinicians who will come to your home for a flexible and convenient private testing and there are also 100% anonymous testing options where not even a name is required.
Like many communities in the golden state, Costa Mesa struggles to balance the financial burden of sexual education with the increased cost of health care in a population that remains sexually naive. Offering STD testing to the community is expensive but ultimately it will reduce the cost of treatment down the line.
Removing the stigma around talking about sexuality and sexual health is one of the first steps in encouraging early and frequent testing, which is the key to overall sexual health. When partners are open to these conversations, and they include medical experts in their healthcare, improvement is bound to occur.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/percent-742053-county-syphilis.html
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.
