Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Los Angeles County is a densely populated area. Southern California is a roller-coaster of culture, aesthetic, and opportunity, and Downey has always been a trendsetter in each. Home to a technological revolution in the space race, and strategically located on the Alameda Corridor near the center of LA County. Downey has it all. And, when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases, possibly even a bit too much.
For 2015, Los Angeles County, including the Downey area, show a rate of 171 per 100,000 people infected by gonorrhea. The same year, the chlamydia rates were at 555 for every 100,000 people. For primary and secondary syphilis the rate has climbed to 15 per 100,000. This may not sound like much, but it is a 30 percent increase from numbers reported in 2014.
With more than 10 million people in Los Angeles County, that makes for more than 1,500 new cases of syphilis per year.
The reported cases for new diagnosis of people living with HIV in LA County are continuing to show a steady decrease. Medical professionals in Downey believe this is thanks to regular health screenings, prevention education, and treatment.
If you’re in the Downey area, there are a few options available to you. Along Rosecrans Ave and on Firestone off Lakewood. They include the JWCH institute, FPA Women’s Health, and many more just outside Downey. One is sure to be near you. For free STD testing, keep an eye out on community calendars, or check out local events especially during STD awareness month in April.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Downey clinics with our easy-to-read chart.
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
AHF Wellness Center is a non-profit organization that aims at providing affordable health-care services and advocacy to HIV positive patients. The facility aims at implementing and creating new programs that will aid in expanding health-care services in communities. Through its West Adams clinic, the medical staff provides comprehensive care to HIV positive patients. Additionally, rapid HIV testing services and easy access to medication, specialists, and resources are available.
Long Beach Health Center - APLA Health is a medical facility that aims at promoting the health and well-being of all patients, especially the underserved persons and the LGBTQ community. The facility partners with other organizations to ensure the delivery of quality and affordable medical services. The clinic’s medical staff provides STD services and culturally competent care to clients of all ages.
Planned Parenthood - Lakewood Health Center of Lakewood, CA, is a health facility that provides a wide range of affordable reproductive and sexual health services, education, and advocacy. The facility attempts to ensure that all patients have access to age-appropriate and medically accurate information. Also, the medical staff provides STD services in a confidential environment and works on positively impacting the decisions of patients regarding your sexual health.
Orange County Health Care Agency is a public health facility that works towards providing medical care services with integrity and compassion to promote the health and well-being of all county residents. The clinic’s medical staff provides quality and affordable HIV/STD testing services and aspires to meet the medical needs of all patients. Additionally, the clinic has an Infectious Disease Program that provides STD services to individuals who are uninsured and underinsured.
Urgent Care - AME Medical Group is an organization that has been providing quality, convenient, and affordable health-care services to all Downey, CA, community members for more than 17 years. The facility’s medical team is well-trained and provides STD services in a respectful and friendly manner. Physicians may extensively treat patients with non-life threatening conditions such an STDs, lacerations, allergies, asthma, and fractures as well as minor burns and wounds.
AppleCare Immediate Care is a medical clinic that provides quality urgent care services regardless of a client’s ability to pay. The clinic’s physicians cater to the medical needs of patients with non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. The medical team put patients' medical needs first and tries to deliver timely medical care. Additionally, the facility has an on-site laboratory where clinicians may conduct comprehensive STD tests.
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 for lunch Mon-Fri, 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization.
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: Open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 8am-5pm
Description: Closed for lunch Mon-Fri, 12noon-1pm
Description: Closed daily from 12noon-1pm
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
Description: Closed for lunch Mon-Fri 12noon-1pm
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Closed daily from 12noon-1pm
Syphilis cases are nearly two points higher in the county of LA than they are in the neighboring Riverside county. It ranks number one of all counties in the nation. It also ranks first for Chlamydia. Gonorrhea is more common with men who have slightly higher numbers than women. Of these men, those who have male to male sex are at the highest risk. These men also have higher incidences of Chlamydia and Syphilis infections simultaneously Data collection helps in determining risk.
The information that is collected for each client is helpful in putting together an overall picture of what is happening with the STD crisis. It shows patterns that include consistently higher rates among particular age groups, genders, ethnicities and financial statuses for certain STDs. African Americans have the highest rates for each type of STD addressed here with Native Americans/Native Alaskans coming in second and Hispanics coming in with the third highest rates for this region.
Low-cost HIV testing is available to all patients regardless of sexual orientation, gender, race, or ability to pay. The clinical team accepts cash, debit cards, checks, and insurance policies for payment purposes.
AHF Wellness Center - West Adams’ medical staff provides family planning services to HIV positive women to avoid the risk of mother to child virus transmissions. Moreover, the clinic has an on-site pharmacy where patients may access affordable prescription medication and refill services. Additionally, PrEP medication and condoms are available to persons at high risk of contracting HIV.
2146 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90018, USA
Every individual is eligible to access affordable STD testing services regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or income level. Additionally, clients may contact the medical team via phone call to inquire about the acceptable insurances, and the medical team also allows cash payments.
The health center has an STD program that aims at reducing HIV transmission cases and promoting the physical and emotional health of individuals living with and at risk of contracting HIV. The clinic also has a medical care program for HIV positive persons to ensure that patients have access to affordable medical and support services.
1043 Elm Ave #302, Long Beach, CA 90813, USA
Every resident may access low-cost STD services irrespective of religion, disability status, or residence. Additionally, self-pay clients may pay medical bills on a sliding fee scale basis, and Medicaid and Medicare are among the major insurances that physicians bill.
Planned Parenthood - Lakewood Health Center of Lakewood, CA, provides educational services to help clients in having open conversations with your children regarding sex, puberty, STDs, and relationships. Moreover, the medical staff provides STD services in English and Spanish to effectively communicate with multiple patients. Also, you may receive comprehensive care during the weekend.
5525 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713, USA
Patients should arrive 15 minutes before the appointment time to accommodate check-in time, and all clients qualify to access STD testing services. Also, self-pay clients may be eligible for a sliding fee scale program, and most insurance policyholders may receive comprehensive care.
Orange County Health Care Agency’s medical team provides patient-centered and culturally competent mental health-care services to HIV/STD positive patients. Additionally, an HIV Planning and Coordination (HIVPAC) program is available, and its mission is to prevent the spread of HIV and ensure that patients living with STDs have access to affordable health care and support services.
149 B, 1725 W 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92706, USA
Patients may access confidential STD services in spite of race, sexual orientation, and gender or income status. Also, a discount is available to self-pay clients who meet the clinic’s requirements, and clinicians may serve clients with a majority of insurances.
Urgent Care - AME Medical Group is conveniently located to pose convenience to clients who need ease of access to quality medical care. The facility has a well-equipped laboratory that physicians may utilize to conduct prompt STD tests and avail correct diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the health center has a team of dedicated medical providers who value each client’s health and time.
8500 Florence Ave #101, Downey, CA 90240, USA
Patients who are new to the facility may have to provide proof of identification, for instance, by availing a driver’s license, photo ID, or passport, and all clients qualify to access STD services. Moreover, the clinical team welcomes insured and self-pay clients.
AppleCare Immediate Care’s medical team provides digital x-ray imaging services to clients with acute illnesses and injuries. The medical team works with confidentiality and care when providing STD services. Also, occupational health-care services are available to employees who sustain injuries while on duty.
11525 Brookshire Ave #300, Downey, CA 90241, USA
Because trends and patterns in the spread of STDs has been identified, it gives health officials an idea of what type of strategies will work the best in reaching those in the greatest need. Poverty is an indicator of risk. This is because there is generally a lack of financial resources to get testing and treatment. In addition, the people in this group may have less exposure to education and information that would help them to better care for their sexual health.
Even though the public schools provide mandatory sex ed classes to all students, the numbers for teen infections are still very high, coming in second for Chlamydia. After completing these courses, they will know about Herpes or other STD testing, but many of them are not using these resources. This means that more needs to be allocated to reach teens and provide testing and treatment for them.
Education is the only hope for slowing the growing STD rate. This must be followed by citizens who are willing to take responsibility for their own sexual health by getting tested and if necessary, medical treatment.
The greatest obstacle to getting tested for some is a lack of knowledge. Some do not know that they are at risk or may even be infected with an STD. Not all of these diseases have symptoms in the beginning stages so the only way to be certain is to have the testing done. There are people who may be embarrassed and afraid that someone they know will find out that they were tested. Current privacy laws are designed to prevent anyone from finding out unless you tell them. Staff at STD testing clinics are discreet and professional. They are bound by law and ethics to keep your information completely confidential.
The greatest risk factor for STD infection is having unprotected sex with somebody who has an STD. You cannot tell by looking and they may not have any noticable symptoms. If you have multiple sexual partners then you are increasing your risk exponentially. This is particularly true if your partners also have sex with other people. Living in a high risk area also ups the odds. The solution to the problem is to get tested so you will know for sure. You’ll have your results quickly so you can either get the treatment that you need, or enjoy the relief in knowing you are sexually healthy. Take the time to learn about safe sex practices.
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.
